The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has seized £52,000 worth of unlicensed slimming pills which contained an ingredient that can cause strokes or heart attacks
Investigators from the MHRA seized more than 28,000 unlicensed slimming pills in a raid in the Whitefield area of Manchester.
The pills known as ‘Aduki Diet’ pills were being sold online and claimed to contain only natural ingredients.
However, when they were analysed, they were found to contain the dangerous ingredient sibutramine, a substance banned in 2010 due to the risk of heart attack and stroke.
MHRA head of enforcement, Alastair Jeffrey, said: “Selling unlicensed medicines is illegal. Anyone thinking of committing this type of crime should be under no illusions – they will be prosecuted if caught.
“Customers purchasing these pills were tricked into believing they contained only natural ingredients when they actually contained a dangerous substance. These pills could pose a serious health risk and we strongly advise anyone who has bought them not to take them.
“Those involved in the illegal supply of medicines aren’t interested in your health - they are only interested in your money.
“Please think carefully before purchasing medical products from internet sites as you have no idea where they have come from or what they might contain. If you do chose to buy medicines online you should only buy from a site that is registered with MHRA and displays the new EU common logo.
“If you have any concerns about your health the best thing you can do is to see your GP and get a proper diagnosis.”