Press release

Huge haul of unlicensed erectile dysfunction medicines seized

Nearly £1 million worth of unlicensed erectile dysfunction medicines were seized from an address in Slough and a man has been arrested.

Different coloured tablets

Enforcement officers from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have seized approximately half a million doses of unlicensed erectile dysfunction medicines, with an estimated value of more than £1 million, during a raid on an address in Datchet, Slough.

A 37 year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an unauthorised medication, knowing or believing it would be supplied to another person. He has been bailed until 10 February 2016.

MHRA Head of Operations, Danny Lee-Frost said:

Selling unlicensed medicines is both illegal and poses a serious health hazard. Anyone thinking of committing this fraud should be under no illusions - we will come and find you.

Criminals involved in the illegal supply of medical products aren’t interested in your health - they are only interested in your money.

People should think very carefully before purchasing pills on the internet because you have no idea what you may be taking or where they come from. 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.

Unlicensed medicines can be dangerous as they can contain impurities, wrong ingredients, and there is no way of knowing if they are manufactured to ensure acceptable standards of quality and safety.

MHRA will continue to work with UK law enforcement agencies to crack down on those who put the public health at risk.

Background

  1. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks. MHRA is a centre of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency which also includes NIBSC and CPRD. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is an executive agency of the Department of Health.

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Published 22 October 2015