MHRA seizes counterfeit drugs in Stoke-on-Trent raid

Published: 5-Mar-2009

More than a quarter of a million pounds worth of counterfeit, unlicensed, withdrawn medicines and controlled drugs have been seized by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) enforcement team as part of a simultaneous raid on five locations in Stoke-on-Trent.


More than a quarter of a million pounds worth of counterfeit, unlicensed, withdrawn medicines and controlled drugs have been seized by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) enforcement team as part of a simultaneous raid on five locations in Stoke-on-Trent.

The early morning raid, held with the assistance of Stoke-on-Trent police, resulted in the arrest of a 50-year-old Canadian woman on suspicion of being involved in the sale and supply of a range of medicinal products, some of which were thought to be fake.

The woman was released on police bail to appear at a later date for further questioning.

A 60-year-old couple from the Stockton Brooks area in Stoke-on-Trent were also questioned by MHRA investigators and assisted with their enquiries.

The trio are believed to have links with an illegal online pharmacy selling prescription only medicines around the globe.

Danny Lee-Frost, head of operations at the MHRA, said the stash, recovered from a flat in Stoke-on-Trent, was "just the tip of the iceberg" in what is predicted to be a multi-million pound illegal online medicines business.

"This online pharmacy has been supplying a massive range of medicines from weight and hair loss tablets, to anti-depressants, powerful painkillers and even anabolic steroids," said Lee-Frost.

"What we seized today is estimated at a quarter of a million pounds worth but the business as a whole could be generating a turnover in excess of a couple of million."

Lee-Frost said people should be vigilant when buying medicines online and should only do so from registered websites after a consultation with their GP or a healthcare professional.

"The dangers of purchasing medicines online are that you just don't know what you are taking," he added. "Those involved in these types of dealings do not care about your health. They are only in it for one reason, and that is to make money."

The MHRA has seized more than £6m worth of counterfeit medicines since 2006.

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