NPA responds to clampdown on criminal supply of prescription medicines

A spokesman said: “The NPA has welcomed the action being taken by regulators and the police to clamp down on the diversion of medicines into the criminal market.

“The Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) today described what it is doing to tackle the diversion of controlled drugs such as Diazepam, Zopiclone and the painkiller Tramadol, and warned of the dangers of self diagnosis and self medication.

“The actions of individuals involved in this kind of criminal activity are utterly deplorable, because the damage to human health from taking controlled drugs inappropriately can be very serious indeed.

“We are fortunate to have a safe and fundamentally robust legitimate supply chain in this country. MHRA has made it clear that medicines supplied with a prescription through registered pharmacies, are unaffected.

“MHRA is right to warn people to be careful when buying medicines online. Your local pharmacy is a safe and convenient setting for the supply of medicines.”