Nafeyka Chavdarova, 44, of Clendenning Avenue in Portadown, received fines totaling £720 at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday for nine offences related to prescription-only and unlicensed medicines.

The charges involved advertising Botox, a prescription-only medicine, possessing such medicines with intent to supply on five counts, and holding unauthorised products for sale on three counts, all dated March 13, 2024.

Department of Health enforcement officers searched her home on that date under warrants and seized licensed prescription-only medicines along with unlicensed products. The action followed concerns over her Nafi Aesthetics business operated from the address.

Investigators reviewed social media linked to Chavdarova and found 14 instances between July 18, 2022, and February 3, 2024, where posts promoted aesthetic treatments likely involving prescription-only medicines. Screenshots from September 17, 2023, showed intravenous drips and unlicensed products.

Chavdarova spoke to Department of Health officials on May 9, 2024, and accepted responsibility for advertising prescription-only and unlicensed medicines, making medicinal claims online, holding Botox without a valid prescription, and supplying unlicensed items. She obtained the medicines from an online pharmacy.

Her barrister, David McKeown, told the court that Chavdarova had experience in the sector from Bulgaria and aimed to start a similar business in Northern Ireland. He noted she now follows rules, receives inspections, has a registered prescriber, and plans to train as a prescriber herself. She supports two young children as a single mother and earns about £700 weekly before expenses.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan imposed £80 fines per offence, plus a £15 offender levy payable over 26 weeks, and ordered destruction of the seized products. He considered her ongoing Nursing and Midwifery Council registration and lack of intent to harm.

Peter Moore, senior medicines enforcement officer with the Department of Health, stated post-hearing that the case shows consequences for bypassing regulated medicine controls to protect public safety.

Aaron McKendry, interim head of the Medicines Regulatory Group, stressed the need for professional consultation before using prescription-only medicines and the Department's efforts to halt illegal promotion and supply.