Authorities have seized tens of thousands of illegal medicines in Northern Ireland as part of an international operation.

Drugs including diazepam, pregabalin and zopiclone were among the 60,000 tablets destined for various addresses across the region, before they were intercepted.

Anthony Harbinson from the Department of Justice said: "I am delighted with the results announced today.

"Working together we can help safeguard public health and bring to justice the criminals preying on peoples' vulnerabilities and ill-health."

The searches, known as Operation Pangea XI, took place between 09 and 16 October and involved 116 countries.

INTERPOL conducted the exercise and reported that 500 tonnes of illicit pharmaceuticals had been confiscated world-wide.

Peter Moore from the Department of Health's Medicines Regulatory Group urged people to take prescription-only medicines and to always consult with their GP on the matter.

"Medication sold from disreputable websites can be poor quality at best and dangerous at worst," Mr Moore said.

"We urge the public not to be tempted by what look like cut prices or fooled by professional looking websites offering medicines without prescription.

"Taking short cuts and using these medicines could expose you to a dangerous counterfeit or substandard medicine."



(JG/MH)