Unlicenced drugs seized by DHSSPS Enforcement Officers

Large quantities of unlicenced medicines have been recovered by DHSSPS Medicines Regulatory Group officials during a search of a residential dwelling in Glengormley.
~ Friday, 8 April 2011

A 47-year-old man was interviewed by Department of Health officers about illegally importing and subsequently supplying unlicenced erectile dysfunction medicines via the internet, as well as other medicine offences.

He will now be the subject of a report to the Public Prosecution Service.

Medicines Regulatory Group Senior Enforcement Officer, Peter Moore said: “It is vital that we get the message across that unlicenced medicines can be dangerous.

“These types of products being sold, usually online, have undergone no quality control and there can be no guarantee about their safety.]

“You simply do not know what you are taking or the conditions these products were made in. More importantly, you do not know the effect drugs like this may have on your health.

“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.

“The public is advised that they should steer clear of unregistered websites or unlicenced internet sellers of these types of medicines.

Mr Moore concluded: "Anyone illegally importing and supplying unlicenced medicinal products such as these has no regard for the potential harm they could pose.

Notes to editors:

1. If an individual is convicted of offences under the Medicines Act 1968, they can be sentenced to a maximum of two years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

2. Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0505. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.