The
raids were carried out by the Medicines and Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and involved police officers as well as
MHRA staff. Raids were carried out in Essex, Middlesex, Kent and
Lancashire.
The raids were the culmination of investigations begun in May
into 51 sites suspected of offering illegal medicines. This week's
raids involved residential properties and commercial premises.
The sites were alleged to be selling medications without
prescription relating to the treatment of insomnia, impotency and
smoking addiction, amongst other conditions. Regulators found
unlicensed impotence drug Kamagra and 100-capsule tubs of Ephedrine
in their raids.
"People can be at considerable risk if they buy medicines from
illegal and unregulated websites," said Mick Deats, head of
enforcement and intelligence at the MHRA said. "A medicine bought
in this way has no guarantee of safety, quality or effectiveness.
Today’s visits demonstrate our commitment to safeguard public
health and act as a stark warning to those in the UK who are
engaged in any way with supplying medicines illegally."
"Our message is simple, if you sell or supply medicines
illegally, we will use all appropriate measures available to stop
you, including prosecution and confiscation," said Deats.
The MHRA currently has 13 cases against alleged internet
medicine sales operations pending prosecution and 118 live
investigations with a connection to websites.
People selling medicines without prescription are guilty of
breaches of the Medicines Act and the MHRA says that it will use
the Proceeds of Crime Act to claw back illicit earnings from any
illegal activity. Breaching the Medicines Act carries a penalty of
up to two years in jail and an unlimited fine.
Disclaimer: We hope you find OUT-LAW’s content useful. It’s prepared by the lawyers at Pinsent Masons. Please remember, though, that it’s intended as general information only. It’s not legal advice. If that’s what you’re seeking, please
contact us. See also: our
full disclaimer
