The MHRA and Suffolk police have today warned those intent on flouting the law by selling medicines at car boot sales/markets, that they will face prosecution.
Under the Medicines Act 1968, safety is the criterion for deciding the availability of a medicine. To protect public health, most medicines can only be sold or supplied at pharmacy premises by or under the supervision of a pharmacist. However, general sale list (GSL) medicines are available from other retail premises such as supermarkets provided they are pre-packed and the premises concerned can be closed to exclude the public. The sale of medicines from a market stall or vehicle (i.e. a van or car) for example at a car boot sale, would not comply with the law.
The MHRA and Suffolk police have seen a recent increase in this activity across the region and are concerned that this illegal activity could be putting peoples' lives at risk. It's imperative that those seeking to buy GSL medicines (such as ibuprofen or paracetamol etc) or any other type of medicines must purchase them from a reliable and legal source as the quality and origin of the drugs cannot be verified. We investigate this activity in partnership with the police and trading standards and conduct test purchases. Anyone found acting illegally could face up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine, said Mick Deats, Head of Enforcement at the MHRA.
Suffolk Constabulary's drug reduction and prevention officer Robin Pivett said: We would encourage anyone needing medicines to purchase these from a reputable source. We will continue to work with the MHRA on a local basis to investigate offences committed under the Medicines Act.
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