Illegal veterinary medicines seized – two men questioned

Medicines Enforcement Officers have closed down an illegal cross border veterinary medicines supply network operating in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
~ Monday, 16 May 2011

A significant quantity of unauthorised and illegal veterinary medicines has been recovered, together with a large amount of cash in Sterling and Euros, from residential properties in the Lurgan area.

This was a multiagency operation involving the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) Medicines Regulatory Group, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), the PSNI and Regulatory counterparts from ROI.

DHSSPS Head of the Medicines Regulatory Group, Prof Mike Mawhinney said: “As part of the continuing clampdown against illegal veterinary medicines, the seizure of a quantity of illegal supplies took place in the Lurgan area last weekend.

“The Department has made it very clear that it will not tolerate the supply of illegal veterinary medicines and this operation clearly demonstrates our determination to stop this kind of activity which can pose a real risk to the general public.”

Two men from the Lurgan area have been interviewed by Department of Health Enforcement officers and will be the subject of a report to the PPS.

DHSSPS Senior Medicines Enforcement Officer Peter Moore said: “These illegal drugs have now been taken out of general circulation resulting in the closure of an illegal supply network operating on both sides of the border. Those involved will be reported to the PPS for the importation, possession and supply of illegal, unauthorised veterinary products. There will also be a tandem Proceeds of Crime Act investigation.”

“Those involved in animal health who regularly use veterinary medicines are reminded that they should only source them from legal and reputable suppliers. We thank the public for their continuing support and would appeal to them to continue to report any suspicious activity to us.”

Notes to Editors:

• In the UK, products with a Marketing Authorisation are given unique numbers preceded by the letter “VM”. Therefore if a product does not have a VM number on its label it has not been authorised. The body responsible for Marketing Authorisation is the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
• A VM issued in respect of a legitimate product provides assurance to the user on the safety, quality and efficacy of the product.
• It is the responsibility of the DHSSPS to enforce the provisions of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2009.
• To report any suspicious activity in relation to the supply of any unauthorised or counterfeit medicines, please contact Peter Moore, Senior Medicines Enforcement Officer, DHSSPS Medicines Regulatory Group, on: 028 90522335 or by email: peter.moore@dhsspsni.gov.uk
• Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 2841. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number on 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.