Police Service of Northern Ireland, Border Force and Department of Health officials seized 177,500 illegal and unlicensed tablets destined for distribution in Northern Ireland. The operation took place over two weeks in March as part of Operation Pangea, a global effort led by INTERPOL targeting online sales of counterfeit medicines.

The items have an estimated value of £350,000 on the illegal market. Authorities also executed 12 search warrants.

Justice Minister Naomi Long stated that the seizure removed the products from circulation and stopped them from reaching communities across Northern Ireland. She credited the Organised Crime Task Force Drugs Subgroup, which includes PSNI, Border Force and the Department of Health’s Medicines Regulatory Group, for their partnership.

Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck, head of PSNI’s Crime Department, described the supply of illicit prescription drugs as a serious issue causing harm to individuals and communities. He pledged continued efforts with partners to target suppliers and organised crime groups.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride noted that medicines from unregulated sites lack proper controls and prescriptions. He advised the public against buying from sites offering low prices or no prescription requirements.