By James Simons-
British regulatory agencies have found and seized falsified and unlicensed medicines and medical devices in the UK worth an estimated £2m. The medicine seized includes diazepam, modafinil and dermal fillers. The seizures were part of Interpol’s globally coordinated Operation Pangea initiative involving 16 countries.
Using intelligence, MHRA enforcement officers raided a semi-detached property and a small lock-up unit in connection with the illegal supply online of potentially harmful medicines. This led to just one arrest.
A wide range of medicines were seized during the operations. They include epilepsy, asthma, acne, narcolepsy, breast cancer, cholesterol reduction, erectile dysfunction. Other illegal medicines found included painkillers, fertility, breast/prostate cancer, anxiety/insomnia, skin lightening, anti-depressants, diabetes, premature ejaculation, tanning, steroids, fake condoms, etc.
Raids on the properties in the north of England involved local police. It is also part of an international response coordinated through Interpol to the growing illegal trading in online medicines and medical devices. Worldwide, Operation Pangea led to 859 arrests and yielded items worth in the region of £10.9 million.
The property raids were also extended to target airports and mail delivery centres. During the searches, officers found numerous packages containing illegal consignments of medicines and medical devices including many hidden within other innocent items such as video games and clothing. Websites on the open and dark web that offer falsified and unlicensed medical products. Our action has led to 123 websites being shut down and the removal of 535 online adverts.
MHRA Head of Enforcement Alastair Jeffrey, said:
”Criminals who sell medicines over the internet have absolutely no regard for your health and taking medicine which is ether falsified or unlicensed puts you at risk of serious harm.
Our intelligence-led enforcement operations have seized millions of counterfeit and unlicensed medicines and devices in the UK. This is just the tip of the iceberg, and we will continue to take action against known criminals – working with our international partners to stop illegal medicines from entering the UK.
To protect your health, visit your GP, get a correct diagnosis and buy medicines from a legitimate high street or registered pharmacy which can trade online with a distance selling logo”.
The MHRA has also advised people to be careful when buying medicines online . Criminals are known to exploit vulnerable people by supplying medicines through unregulated websites and stealing their credit card details. The public are also advised against self-medication because of the potential dangers. If you have a concern about your health, visit your GP, get a correct diagnosis and if medicines are prescribed, buy them from a legitimate source.