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UK border police seized $16.7M worth of illegal erectile dysfunction drugs in 2018

Erectile dysfunction drugs accounted for the largest proportion of seized drugs last year

By Police1 Staff

More than $16.7 million of fake Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs were seized by UK Border police in 2018, The Independent reports.

Drugs for weight loss, HIV, skin lightening, cancer, hair loss and other illnesses accounted for another $3.2 million of illegal medicines that were intercepted at post offices and ports.

In 2018, Border police seized $19,981,475 worth of illegal and unlicensed medicines. Erectile dysfunction drugs accounted for the largest proportion at $16,865,862.

Although the total value of drugs seizures have decreased since 2017, it’s estimated that one in 10 people in the UK have bought fake medicines online in 2018.

UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency announced that Viagra would be made available over the counter to try to prevent the public from buying counterfeit versions online.

“Selling medicines outside of the supply chain is a serious criminal offence,” MHRA Head of Enforcement Alastair Jeffrey said. “We will continue to track down and prosecute those recklessly endangering public safety by illegally selling prescription medicines.”

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