Today the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) conducted a coordinated operation against a number of premises connected with internet sites which sell and supply unlicensed medicines across the UK.

MHRA enforcement and intelligence officers have investigated 27 internet sites, which were offering illegal medicines. Today MHRA officers visited various private and business addresses related to internet sites supplying unlicensed medicines claiming to treat obesity, impotency, herpes and other ailments. Officers seized unlicensed medicines, computers, documents and cash. The police accompanied the MHRA officers in a number of cases and arrests were made by the Sussex Police and Thames Valley Police in connection with offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Today's operations were conducted in Reading, Worcestershire, Hayes, West Drayton, Bedford, Wigan, Halisham, and Newhaven

As a result of this operation, a number of internet sites have been closed down today.

"The MHRA has conducted a coordinated operation against the sale and supply of illegal and unlicensed medicines over the internet. There is an increased risk to the public from obtaining medicines through unregulated websites. Patients are advised to obtain medicines following a consultation with a qualified doctor and through a properly licensed and regulated pharmacy." Mick Deats, Head of Intelligence and Enforcement at the MHRA.

1. The MHRA is the government agency responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work, and are acceptably safe. No product is risk-free. Underpinning all our work lie robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits to patients and the public justify the risks. We keep watch over medicines and devices, and take any necessary action to protect the public promptly if there is a problem.

2. If an individual is convicted of offences under the Medicines Act 1968, they can be sentenced to a maximum of two years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. Where appropriate the MHRA will use the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to determine whether or not benefits were accrued through criminal activity and will recoup illicit earnings if the individual is found guilty.

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency