Unlicensed erectile dysfunction medicines seized in Northern Ireland
13th April 2011
Department of Health officials have seized large quantities of unlawful erectile dysfunction medicines after a raid on a residence in Glengormley, Northern Ireland. It has emerged a 47 year old male was interviewed by officers regarding the illegal importing and distribution of the unlicensed "Viagra" style tablets via the internet. In addition he was also questioned in relation to other suspected medicine offences. The suspect will now be the subject of a report to the Public Prosecution Service, of which it's "Medicines Regulatory Group" department was responsible for undergoing the search. Medicines Regulatory Group Senior Enforcement Officer, Peter Moore said: "It is vital that we get the message across that unlicensed 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," he said. "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 unlicensed Internet sellers of these types of medicines." Mr Moore concluded: "Anyone illegally importing and supplying unlicensed medicinal products such as these has no regard for the potential harm they could pose."