Carrickfergus man receives probation for illegal importation of unlicensed prescription-only medicine

A 31-year-old Carrickfergus man was today convicted at Belfast Magistrates Court for illegally importing the prescription only medicine and Class C controlled drug, diazepam, without a licence.
~ Tuesday, 13 December 2011

Jason McMurtry, from Marlborough Close, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, received 12 months probation, plus court costs, having pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawfully importing 600 diazepam tablets from Pakistan.

On the 24 March 2011, the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) intercepted the diazepam tablets destined for Mr McMurtry’s Carrickfergus address. During a follow up investigation carried out by DHSSPS Medicines Regulatory Group officers, it was established that Mr McMurtry had sourced the illegal medicines via the internet.

Medicines Regulatory Group Senior Enforcement Officer, Peter Moore said: “It is vital that we get the message across that sourcing medicines in this way is a real risk.

“When you buy a medicine from an unregistered website or unregulated source, you will never know the conditions that product has been made in. On top of that, you might be receiving a product that is fake or reacts adversely with any other medication you might be on. People who acquire medicines without the benefit of a consultation with an appropriate healthcare professional risk being supplied with medicines that are not safe or not suitable for them to use.

Mr Moore concluded: “The public is advised that they should not purchase medicines from unregistered websites or unregulated internet sites. I would urge the public to be vigilant and ensure that they do not put their health at risk or fund this crime by purchasing medication from an illicit source.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Medicines regulatory offence:

Unlawful importation of a controlled drug of Class C Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, contrary to section 170(2)(b) of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979

2. Importation & Exportation Offences

Section 3 Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

& Section 170 Customs & Excise Management Act 1979

Schedule 4 (ii) drugs can be imported or exported provided that they are in a medicinal form and for personal use.

In any other circumstances, the importation or exportation of any controlled drug is prohibited unless it is done in accordance with the terms of a licence granted by the Secretary of State and in compliance with any conditions attached to the licence.

The public is advised that they should only take Prescription Only Medicines after an appropriate consultation with their GP. Only healthcare professionals can take into account risks and benefits associated with every medicine.

3. To report any suspicious activity in relation to any unauthorised or counterfeit medicines in Northern Ireland, please contact Mr Peter Moore, Senior Medicines Enforcement Officer, DHSSPS Medicines Regulatory Group, on: 028 90522094 or by email: peter.moore@dhsspsni.gov.uk

4. Enquiries about this press release should be directed to the DHSSPS press office on 028 9052 2841, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.