NI Polita outlets illegally sold prescription medicines

European Delicatessance, a food retail company in Belfast, has been fined at Belfast Magistrates’ Court after pleaded guilty to the illegal sale of prescription medicines.

The company had sold the items from its specialist Eastern European ‘Polita’ convenience food stores in Belfast, Lisburn and Ballymena.

The conviction followed inspections by Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) officers from the Department of Health (DoH).

DoH officers visited Polita food stores in Albertbridge Road in Belfast, Bow Lane in Lisburn, and Lower Mill Street in Ballymena in October 2015, seizing “substantial quantities” of illegal medicines on open sale.

Some 74 different types of medicine and over 2,000 doses were seized during the visits. The illegal medicines were of Polish origin and included those for the treatment of infection and for pain relief.

Peter Moore, senior medicines enforcement officer with the Department of Health, led the operation.

He said: “This conviction demonstrates that we are committed to pursuing those involved in the illicit supply of prescription medicines in whatever circumstances they may be found.

“If you require treatment for a medical condition or need to obtain medicines, you should always use your GP or pharmacist.”

Professor Mike Mawhinney, head of the Medicines Regulatory Group, added: “Buying medicines through unregulated sources can put your health at serious risk. I trust this conviction will send a clear message that the Department will continue to be proactive in regulating the sale of medicines and in maintaining public safety.

“To this end we will continue to conduct further inspections and will not hesitate to take enforcement action where necessary.”

The company was fined £800, and required to pay court costs.