UK man jailed for selling unlicensed pharmaceuticals

A man from Essex in the UK who sold erectile dysfunction drugs imported from India has been jailed for 16 months.

Sundeep Amin (57) of Romford pleaded guilty to 21 counts of importing, possessing and supplying unlicensed medicines over "several years", operating out of rented facilities across Essex. 

He also admitted possessing a large quantity of recreational drug phenazepam - a benzodiazepine tranquiliser five times stronger than Valium - and money laundering through "several companies registered in his name."

A raid by the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) led to the seizure of several large quantities of ED drugs that were en route to the Essex facilities, including one haul at Heathrow airport worth £100,000 ($157,000). All told, MHRA officers seized nearly £900,000-worth of illegal medicinal products, including abortion kits, pills to induce abortion and hair loss treatments.

"Amin had no medical qualifications and was dealing in unlicensed medicines, which is a lethal combination and a serious risk to public health," said MHRA head of enforcement Alastair Jeffrey.

Amin was sentenced on August 14 at Southwark Crown Court.