Five arrests made in UK after counterfeit drug seizures
As a result of intensive investigations by UK MHRA investigators, several adresses, residential and commercial, across the UK were visited and several hundred thousand pounds worth of counterfeit and illegal drugs seized.
As a result of intensive investigations by UK MHRA investigators, several adresses, residential and commercial, across the UK were visited and several hundred thousand pounds worth of counterfeit and illegal drugs seized.
The searches were carried out in North London, West Yorkshire and Manchester. The haul included lifestyle medicines and steroids. Documentation, computers and banking records were also taken and five individuals arrested: four in London and one in West Yorkshire.
Mick Deats, head of enforcement & intelligence at the MHRA said the seizure was the result of a major investigation in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and the pharmaceutical industry.
"Individuals or organisations who attempt to supply counterfeit medicines can expect to be thoroughly investigated. Where appropriate they can be prosecuted by the MHRA using a variety of legislation, which could result in up to 10 years imprisonment and substantial fines," Deats said.
The news comes just a week after the US FDA said it wants the US industry to speed up the adoption of electronic track and trace technology to combat counterfeit medicines entering the market.
It backed the conclusions of The FDA Counterfeit Drug Task Force Report - 2006 Update, which recommended that companies should "tag drug products" and "build infrastructure across the supply chain for using an e-pedigree."