A 59-year-old man from Ballymena has been fined £1,000 plus an offender levy for breaching the Human Medicines Regulations by possessing unlicensed weight-loss medicines.

Daniel O’Neill, owner of DISQ Gym at Ross Court in Ballymena, pleaded guilty at Ballymena Magistrates Court. The offence came to light following a visit by an enforcement officer from the Department of Health's Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) on Thursday, 9 October 2025.

During the inspection at the gym premises, the officer discovered and seized unlicensed weight-loss medicines intended for sale or supply.

Peter Moore, Senior Medicines Enforcement Officer with the Department of Health, stated that the conviction demonstrates consequences for bypassing regulated medicines controls. He highlighted risks associated with purchasing drugs from unregulated sources, particularly unlicensed weight-loss injections.

Aaron McKendry, Interim Head of the Medicines Regulatory Group, described the unlawful distribution of unauthorised medicinal products in Northern Ireland as a serious public safety issue. He emphasised the importance of obtaining prescription medicines through healthcare professionals.

The case occurs amid demand for weight-loss treatments such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, which are not available through Northern Ireland’s health service for weight management. Private prescriptions represent the primary access route for many.