Police Service of Northern Ireland, Border Force, and Department of Health officials seized 177,500 illegal and unlicensed tablets and medicines destined for Northern Ireland. The operation took place over two weeks in March as part of Operation Pangea. Authorities issued 12 search warrants during the action.

The seized items hold a street value of about £350,000. Justice Minister Naomi Long stated that removing these products from circulation stopped them from reaching homes and communities across Northern Ireland.

Long credited the Organised Crime Task Force Drugs Subgroup, which includes PSNI, Border Force, and the Department of Health’s Medicines Regulatory Group, for their collaboration in addressing public health and safety risks.

Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck, head of PSNI’s Crime Department, noted that illicit prescription drugs cause devastation to individuals and communities. He pledged continued efforts with partners to disrupt suppliers and pursue justice against those involved.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride warned that medicines from unregulated online sites lack proper oversight on manufacturing and quality. He encouraged the public to avoid such purchases lacking prescriptions.