Legal News
Veterinary Medicines Directorate takes action against illegal veterinary medicines (3 May 2016)
Date: 03/05/2016
A Manchester man has been prosecuted by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, after he imported unlicensed medicines for use in the UK.
The prosecution centred on the importation of various non-UK authorised antibiotics for use in pigeons.
At Manchester Magistrates’ Court, Shahin Shah pleaded guilty to 15 charges of importation of unauthorised veterinary medicinal products under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.
The illegal medicines were discovered in a consignment at Manchester Airport by immigration officers.
Shah was given a two-year conditional discharge and fined £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
In March, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate issued an improvement notice to Horsebridge Veterinary Practice based at High Street, Hailsham in East Sussex, after medicines such as Carprieve 100mg were supplied to customers labelled as Rimadyl. The practice also kept incorrect records of the actual medicines supplied, constituting a breach of Regulation 23 (Records of the receipt or supply of prescription products) and Schedule 3 paragraph 12(3) (Labelling at the time of retail supply) of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.
The improvements involve Horsebridge Veterinary Practice ensuring that all medicines are labelled correctly at the time of dispensing – and ensuring that the practice keeps full and correct records of medicines obtained and supplied.
Duncan Lewis Criminal Lawyers
Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge involving the importation of unlicensed or illegal medicines for human or animal use, including advising at the start of any investigation and before charges are brought.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities – and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.
For expert legal advice on all offences involving illegal medicines or banned drugs, call Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers on 0333 772 0409.
For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.