In a recent police operation near Hull, a man was apprehended for allegedly selling unauthorised “weight loss jabs” online.
The raid led to the seizure of vials suspected to contain semaglutide, the active ingredient in the widely known weight loss drug Ozempic, made popular by celebrities using it for weight loss.
The suspect, a man in his 30s from Goole, East Yorkshire, faces charges for the distribution of unlicensed medicines.
This arrest follows a BBC Three exposé that revealed these injections being sold without prescriptions on social media and in beauty salons.
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The operation was a collaborative effort between the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Humberside Police.
The MHRA, which regulates new medicines in the UK, has initiated a crackdown on the black market sale of not only weight loss injections but also other products like Botox and Melanotan.
The operation involved raids at two locations in Humberside.
Reporters commented on witnessing police collecting evidence, including vials and syringes believed to contain semaglutide.
The MHRA’s investigation extends beyond just locating semaglutide.
The MHRA aim to uncover any signs of a criminal lifestyle funded through the illegal online sale of these products.
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What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is prescribed for diabetes management due to its ability to lower blood sugar levels and slow gastric emptying.
Semaglutide can be prescribed for weight loss in individuals with a BMI over 30 and a related health condition.
It is better known as brand name Ozempic or Wegovy for type 2 diabetes and obesity respectively
Improper use of this drug can lead to severe side effects, and unregulated versions pose a risk of toxicity.
Andy Morling, the MHRA’s deputy director of criminal enforcement, commented on the situation: “While the market for these products is relatively new and not widespread, we are taking decisive action.”
“We have more operations planned and are committed to removing online adverts for these products.”
“The potential harm these powerful medicines can cause should not be underestimated.”
