Following an investigation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), a man from Surrey has been jailed for selling potentially dangerous unlicensed medicines. The 66-year-old man was jailed for 12 months for importing and selling potentially dangerous steroids and unlicensed medicines for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and depression.
During the investigation enforcement officers from the MHRA found more than 69,000 doses of unlicensed erectile dysfunction, steroid and anti-depressant medication at the man’s home in Surrey, with an estimated street value of nearly £210,000. An in-depth analysis of his computer conducted by MHRA found he had been discussing price lists, how much he would get paid for each delivery he received, and details of the customers to whom he was intending to sell the medicines.
MHRA’s Head of Enforcement, Alastair Jeffery said: “Selling unlicensed medicines is illegal and poses a serious health hazard. Unlicensed medicines can be dangerous as they may contain impurities, incorrect ingredients, and there is no way of knowing if they are manufactured to acceptable standards of quality and safety. Criminals that illegally supply medical products are not interested in your health – they only care about your money. Taking unlicensed medical products is playing the lottery with your health.”
