Operation to tackle counterfeit medicines seizes more than €350k of illegal tablets

Up to €350,000 worth of counterfeit or illegal medicines have been seized in Ireland as part of an international operation.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority, working with Revenue's Customs Service, Gardaí and law enforcement agencies worldwide, have seized 60,000 falsified or counterfeit and other illegal medicines.

Actions included reporting 67 websites that illegally supplied prescription only and other unauthorised and illicit medicines via the internet.

Irish authorities seized 60,000 tablets, including anabolic steroids, sedatives, painkillers, stimulants, illegal injectible tanning products (Melanotan II) and weight loss products.

The counterfeit medicines came from India, USA, UK, Romania, Switzerland, Singapore and Poland.

The breakdown of medicines detained includes (figures rounded):

· Anabolic Steroids: 33,000 units

· Sedatives: 6,500 units

· Analgesics (painkillers):1,600 units

· Erectile Dysfunction: 9,000 units

· Slimming: Weight loss (Sibutramine): 1,200 units

· Stimulants: 1,300 units

· Corticosteroids: 1,000 units

· Antibiotics: 970 units

· Melanotan II: 230 vials

· Misoprostol & Mifepristone: 78 units

· Botulinum Toxin: 80 vials

Worldwide, around 11.1 million illicit and counterfeit medicines were seized with a total value around $48.4m.