Thousands of dangerous illegal medicines seized

Some of the drugs which were found as part of the investigation. Credit: Department of Health

Tens of thousands of illegally imported tablets, injections and unauthorised medicines have been seized in Northern Ireland.

Officers intercepted multiple packages destined for addresses across the region as part of an international operation targeting the illicit online sale of medical products.

They contained a total of 90,000 tablets – thought to be worth up to £100,000 on the black market.

Health Minister Michelle O’Neill welcomed the investigation, known as Operation Pangea IX, which involved 103 countries and led to the seizure of over 12 million potentially life-threatening medicines worldwide.

She said: “The type of collaborative work well demonstrated by Operation Pangea, has led to the interception and seizure of many illegal medicines destined for addresses throughout the north.

“The truth is that this might very well save lives, as sadly, young people are often unaware of the potentially fatal consequences oftaking these un-prescribed drugs, particularly when taken with alcohol.”