A registered nurse from Portadown received a £720 fine at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to nine charges under the Human Medicines Regulations.

Nafeyka Chavdarova, 44, operated an aesthetics clinic from her home on Clendenning Avenue. In March 2024, enforcement officers from the Department of Health’s Medicines Regulatory Group visited the property and seized unlicensed prescription medicines intended for sale or supply.

The medicines included injectable Botulinum toxin type A, Hydroxocobalamin, Hyaluronidase and Lidocaine. Officials also found that Chavdarova had advertised prescription-only medicines unlawfully.

Peter Moore, Senior Medicines Enforcement Officer with the Department of Health, stated that the conviction demonstrates consequences for bypassing regulated systems designed to protect public safety and medicines supply integrity. He advised against purchasing drugs from online or unverified sources due to unknown contents and health risks.

Aaron McKendry, Interim Head of the Medicines Regulatory Group, emphasized that prescription medicines should only be taken after consultation with a GP, pharmacist or other healthcare professional who can assess risks and benefits based on patient records.

The Department of Health plans to continue efforts to halt illegal promotion, supply or misuse of medicines and to inform the public about risks from sources outside the regulated chain.