Staffordshire Woman Sentenced For Selling Counterfeit Medicines
Recently a 51 year old woman was sentenced to 8 months in prison at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court for the possession of controlled drugs with the intent to supply, and for the possession of medicines with the intent to place them on the market without a licence.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) began their investigation in January 2008 into a website called www.pharma2u.com. The website advertised the sale of branded prescription only medicines, such as Viagra. The products were posted from Southern Cyprus. Tests carried out as part of the investigation found these medicines to be counterfeit.
Operation Lauren was a joint investigation by MHRA investigators and Staffordshire Police. They visited five addresses in March 2009; three residential and two commercial. Small recoveries were made from the business addresses, and seizures were made at Ms Ruutel-Glykys home address; Forest Court, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. This address proved to be the UK distribution centre for the website pharma2u.
The operation seized a range of computers, stationery, a cash card machine and a total of 65,000 drugs and prescription only medicines. A Canadian/Cypriot woman, Norma Ene Ruutel-Glykys, was arrested and later released on bail.
In September 2009, Ms Ruutel-Glykys was charged, and she later pleaded guilty at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 15 February 2010.
MHRA Head of Enforcement Mick Deats said that people just don't know what they're taking if buying their medicines from illicit websites; the dosages could be either too high or too low, the product could contain no active pharmaceutical ingredient; or it could be a totally different ingredient to the one stated.
"Illegal suppliers do not care about quality control or standards, and people who purchase their medicine from these websites will never know where the product has originated from or what it might contain.
"People running these websites are not healthcare professionals; in fact, they are not professional in any way shape or form. They're simply financially motivated criminals making a living at the expense of people's health.
"If you feel that your medicine may be counterfeit, contact the MHRA's dedicated 24 hour anti-counterfeiting hotline on 020 7084 2701 or by email to counterfeit@mhra.gsi.gov.uk."
Notes to Editor
1. The MHRA has seized more than £6 million worth of counterfeit medicines since 2006.
2. Please see the hyperlink to press release issued 30 March 2009: £500,000 fake drug stash seized in undercover operation. http://www.mhra.gov.uk/NewsCentre/Pressreleases/CON041483
3. If an individual is convicted of offences under the Medicines Act 1968, they can be sentenced to a maximum of two years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. Where appropriate the MHRA will use the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to determine whether or not benefits were accrued through criminal activity and will recoup illicit earnings if the individual is found guilty. In cases involving counterfeit medicines, the MHRA will use the Fraud Act or Trade Marks Act which both carry a maximum of 10 years imprisonment.
4. To report a counterfeit medicine or device contact the MHRA dedicated 24-hour hotline on 020 7084 2701, or email counterfeit@mhra.gsi.gov.uk, or write to: Counterfeits, The Intelligence Unit, MHRA, Market Towers, 1 Nine Elms Lane, London, SW8 5NQ
5. The public is advised that they should only take prescription-only medicines after an appropriate consultation with their GP. Only healthcare professionals can take into account risks and benefits associated with every medicine
6. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) has introduced an internet pharmacy logo to help the public identify if a website is being operated by a bona fide pharmacy in Great Britain. More information is available at www.internetpharmacylogo.org
7. Further information about how the MHRA tackles counterfeit medicines and devices can be found at the following MHRA website link: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/Generalsafetyinformationandadvice/Adviceandinformationforconsumers/Counterfeitmedicinesanddevices/index.htm
8. The MHRA is the government agency responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work, and are acceptably safe. No product is risk-free. Underpinning all our work lie robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits to patients and the public justify the risks. We keep watch over medicines and devices, and take any necessary action to protect the public promptly if there is a problem. We encourage everyone –the public and healthcare professionals as well as the industry – to tell us about any problems with a medicine or medical device, so that we can investigate and take any necessary action. www.mhra.gov.uk
SOURCE: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency