Menu
13/02/2013
Man Convicted For Importing Unlicensed Medicine
A north Belfast man has been convicted for illegally importing a large quantity of unlicensed medicine into Northern Ireland.
37-year-old John Tohill, from North Queen Street in Belfast, was found guilty at Belfast Magistrates’ Court after police seized erectile dysfunction pills thought to be worth £3,000 on the black market.
Mr Tohill was fined £200 plus court costs, having pleaded guilty to importing the unlicensed prescription drugs from India.
The United Kingdom Border Force intercepted the illegal 'Kamagra' tablets in October 2012.
It was then established Mr Tohill had sourced the illegal medicines via the internet.
During a search of his residential address, officers found a further quantity of the unlicensed drugs.
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) Medicines Regulatory Group Senior Enforcement Officer Peter Moore said: "It is vital that we continue to get the message across that the use of medicines sourced in this way is a real risk.
"When you buy a medicine from an unregistered website or unregulated source, you will never know the conditions that product has been made in. On top of that, you very well may be receiving a product that is fake or reacts adversely with any other medication you take. My advice to the public is that they should only take Prescription Only Medicines after an appropriate consultation with their GP. Only healthcare professionals can take into account risks and benefits associated with every medicine."
Professor Mike Mawhinney, Head of the Medicines Regulatory Group, said: "The Department has made it very clear that it will continue to be vigilant and proactive in the regulation of medicines in Northern Ireland and this investigation clearly demonstrates our determination to stop this kind of illegal activity.
"Our message is simple – don’t be tempted to bypass the regulated system in Northern Ireland. The public is advised that they should not purchase medicines from unregistered or unregulated internet sites. I would urge the public to be on the alert to ensure that they do not put their health at risk or fund this crime by purchasing medication from an illicit source."
(IT)
37-year-old John Tohill, from North Queen Street in Belfast, was found guilty at Belfast Magistrates’ Court after police seized erectile dysfunction pills thought to be worth £3,000 on the black market.
Mr Tohill was fined £200 plus court costs, having pleaded guilty to importing the unlicensed prescription drugs from India.
The United Kingdom Border Force intercepted the illegal 'Kamagra' tablets in October 2012.
It was then established Mr Tohill had sourced the illegal medicines via the internet.
During a search of his residential address, officers found a further quantity of the unlicensed drugs.
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) Medicines Regulatory Group Senior Enforcement Officer Peter Moore said: "It is vital that we continue to get the message across that the use of medicines sourced in this way is a real risk.
"When you buy a medicine from an unregistered website or unregulated source, you will never know the conditions that product has been made in. On top of that, you very well may be receiving a product that is fake or reacts adversely with any other medication you take. My advice to the public is that they should only take Prescription Only Medicines after an appropriate consultation with their GP. Only healthcare professionals can take into account risks and benefits associated with every medicine."
Professor Mike Mawhinney, Head of the Medicines Regulatory Group, said: "The Department has made it very clear that it will continue to be vigilant and proactive in the regulation of medicines in Northern Ireland and this investigation clearly demonstrates our determination to stop this kind of illegal activity.
"Our message is simple – don’t be tempted to bypass the regulated system in Northern Ireland. The public is advised that they should not purchase medicines from unregistered or unregulated internet sites. I would urge the public to be on the alert to ensure that they do not put their health at risk or fund this crime by purchasing medication from an illicit source."
(IT)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
14 August 2013
£25k Of Illegal 'Viagra' Seized
£25,000 worth of unlicensed 'Viagra' medicine has been seized from adult shops in Belfast city centre. Officials from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) seized over 5,000 pills as part of an investigation into the retail supply of unlicensed medicines.
£25k Of Illegal 'Viagra' Seized
£25,000 worth of unlicensed 'Viagra' medicine has been seized from adult shops in Belfast city centre. Officials from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) seized over 5,000 pills as part of an investigation into the retail supply of unlicensed medicines.
16 January 2002
Car tax evasion comes under DOE spotlight
A new Department of Environment sting operation will, for the first time, be able to detect those with unlicensed vehicles on the roads. The system, known as Stingray, will be able to detect unlicensed vehicles on the move and will be used to target those who evade paying their road tax.
Car tax evasion comes under DOE spotlight
A new Department of Environment sting operation will, for the first time, be able to detect those with unlicensed vehicles on the roads. The system, known as Stingray, will be able to detect unlicensed vehicles on the move and will be used to target those who evade paying their road tax.
17 October 2013
22 Posts Created At New Research Facility
A £11.5m clinical research facility in L'Derry that is expected to create 22 research posts has been opened.
22 Posts Created At New Research Facility
A £11.5m clinical research facility in L'Derry that is expected to create 22 research posts has been opened.
13 October 2005
Patients will benefit from greater mix of medicine - Hain
Providing more complementary medicine alongside conventional medicine within the health service in Northern Ireland would give patients the best of both worlds, Secretary of State Peter Hain said today.
Patients will benefit from greater mix of medicine - Hain
Providing more complementary medicine alongside conventional medicine within the health service in Northern Ireland would give patients the best of both worlds, Secretary of State Peter Hain said today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
