05/10/2012

NI Seizure Of Illegal Drugs

Tens of thousands of illegal and unauthorised prescription drugs have been seized on their way to Northern Irish addresses.

Operation Pangea V is an international initiative which targets the sale and transport of illegal drugs that have been purchased over the internet.

The Operation is responsible for seizing the numerous drugs intended for Northern Irish citizens, which included more than 55,000 benzodiazepines.

Pain relief medicines and unidentified psychoactive substances were also confiscated.

Health Minister Edwin Poots has launched a campaign to tackle the issue.

He warned the "risk to the public due to illegal or counterfeit medicines cannot be understated.

"This campaign shows the stark reality of buying medicines online. The message is clear, it could cost you your life."

Operation Pangea V ran from 25 September to 2 October and saw the participation of a total of 100 countries and 193 agencies.

Peter Moore, coordinator of Operation Pangea V activities in Northern Ireland, described as "crucial" the need for people to realise it is not "wise to bypass the properly regulated system.

"Illegal suppliers have no quality control or standards," he said.

"I urge the public not to be tempted by cut prices or fooled by professional looking websites offering medicines without prescription.

"Taking short cuts could expose you to a dangerous counterfeit or substandard medicine and on top of that you could be the victim of identity theft or credit card fraud."

Benzodiazepines include sedatives diazepam and temazepam which and are usually prescribed for a range of conditions like anxiety and insomnia.

(IT/GK)

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