Four arrested over counterfeit medicine seizure (From The Northern Echo)

Four arrested in Middlesbrough counterfeit medicine raids

1:00pm Monday 30th March 2009 in News By Graeme Hetherington

FOUR people have been arrested following the discovery of £500,000 worth of suspected counterfeit medicines after early morning raids.

The recovered drugs included tablets to address erectile dysfunction, anxiety and to help with weight loss.

The haul was seized by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) enforcement team last week as part of a simultaneous raid on four locations in Middlesbrough.

The raid, held with the assistance of Cleveland Police and Cleveland Trading Standards, resulted in four Chinese nationals arrested on suspicion of being involved in the sale and supply of a range of medicines - suspected to be fake.

Mick Deats, MHRA Head of Enforcement, said: "Enquiries suggest that the counterfeit medicines originated from China and were being delivered to various addresses in the Middlesbrough area.

"The counterfeit medicines, which were for erectile dysfunction, anxiety and weight loss will now be submitted for forensic analysis to determine their content and investigations will focus upon the onward distribution of these goods.

"Enquiries suggest that the counterfeit medicines originated from China and were being delivered to various addresses in the Middlesbrough area."

Mick Deats, MHRA Head of Enforcement

"We are grateful for the assistance provided by Cleveland Police and Trading Standards. The MHRA will not hesitate to use the fullest extent of powers available to tackle the sale and supply of counterfeit medicines in the UK.

"Counterfeit medicines are dangerous to public health. 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 individuals, two Chinese men and two women, were released on police bail while tests are carried out on the drugs.

Approximately £10,000 pounds worth of other counterfeit goods were also recovered, as well as a number of computers and documentation.