MHRA seizes fake Viagra in north London raids
A stash of more than 300,000 suspected counterfeit and unlicensed tablets, including Viagra, was seized by the MHRA last week.
A stash of more than 300,000 suspected counterfeit and unlicensed tablets, including Viagra, was seized by the MHRA last week.
The drugs, worth more than £1 million, were seized as part of a simultaneous raid on three residential locations and a secure storage unit, in north and east London.
MHRA head of operations Danny Lee-Frost said the stash, recovered from what was described at the scene as an "Aladdin's Cave of fake medicine" included Viagra, Cialis and Levitra.
The operation targeted a gang for the alleged supply of vast amounts of counterfeit medicines internationally, according to the MHRA.
The trio, who have been released on bail, are believed to be linked to numerous, illegal, online pharmacies selling fake prescription-only medicines and other unlicensed drugs online.
A team of investigators from the makers of one of the drugs, Eli Lilly, brought the operation to the attention of the MHRA.
Lilly UK director of corporate affairs, Rick Ascroft said: "The operation shows how countries like the UK are used as hubs for criminals to distribute fake medicines around the world.
"Those involved in the production and supply of counterfeit medicines have no regard for patient safety. All counterfeit medicines pose a public health risk".
