MHRA - Surrey man goes down for selling unlicensed ED drugs and steroids

14 Sep 2016 01:48 PM

Following an MHRA investigation, a man from Surrey has been jailed for selling potentially dangerous unlicensed medicines.

Peppino Fiori, 66, Oxsted, Surrey, was yesterday jailed for 12 months for importing and selling potentially dangerous steroids and unlicensed medicines for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and depression.

During the investigation enforcement officers from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) found more than 69,000 doses of unlicensed erectile dysfunction, steroid and anti-depressant medication at Mr. Fiori’s home in Surrey, with an estimated street value of nearly £210,000.

This man’s illegal activity posed a serious health risk to the public. These medicines are potent and can cause serious side effects.

An in-depth analysis of his computer conducted by MHRA found Mr Fiori had been discussing price lists, how much he would get paid for each delivery he received; and details of the customers to whom he was intending to sell the medicines.

MHRA’s Head of Enforcement, Alastair Jeffery said:

“Selling unlicensed medicines is illegal and poses a serious health hazard.

“Unlicensed medicines can be dangerous as they may contain impurities, incorrect ingredients, and there is no way of knowing if they are manufactured to acceptable standards of quality and safety.

“Criminals that illegally supply medical products are not interested in your health – they only care about your money.

“Taking unlicensed medical products is playing the lottery with your health.”

If you need advice or treatment for a condition, visit your GP. Make sure you obtain medical products from legitimate high street outlets or online retailers displaying the distance selling logo.

Notes to Editor

1. Check if a website can sell medicines online
2. MHRA is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgments to ensure that the benefits justify any risks. MHRA is a centre of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency which also includes the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) and the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). The Agency is an executive agency of the Department of Health.www.mhra.gov.uk