The seizures were part of a continuing clampdown on the sale of illegal and counterfeit veterinary medicines by the Medicines Enforcement Officers from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said: "The Department has made it very clear that it will not tolerate the supply of illegal veterinary medicines. Such illegal medicines may end up being administered to food producing animals, which poses a risk to the general public and to the agricultural industry.
"These searches are proof of our determination to stop this trade. Farmers and others who use veterinary medicines must ensure that they only buy medicines from reputable sources.”
Dr Mike Mawhinney, Head of Inspection and Investigation at the Department commented: “The general public and the farming community have helped provide us with vital information on a number of illegal practices and we 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 duty of the DHSSPS to enforce the provisions of the Marketing Authorisations for Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 1994.
- To report any suspicious activity in relation to the supply of unauthorised medicines, please call Martin McIlveen, Senior Investigator at DHSSPS on 028 9052 2094.
- Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
