Thousands of pounds worth of potentially life-threatening tablets seized as part of major operation
In just five months, the police seized 100,000 powerful fake anti-anxiety tablets that can be life-threatening.
They are called pregabalin, although on the streets they are known as Belfast buds.
The Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, has described the drug as "widespread in society" and warned that the tablets seized have a "strength of 300mg" but "75mg is the normal dosage".
"So even if that is genuine stuff and passes any kind of regulatory test, it's far, far too strong, and it's damaging people's lives up to the point of putting those lives at risk," he said.
Hundreds of weight-loss kits, sold on the black market for up to £400, have also also been seized.
They were discovered as part of a worldwide operation known as 'Pangea'; the police then carried out follow up searches and interviewed a number of suspects.
"You're not just putting money in the pockets of people who are reckless with regard to your health and wellbeing, but also will be using that money to fund other criminal enterprises," warned the Justice Minister.
Naomi Long added: "Do not play Russian roulette with your health because that's what you do. You take one of these pills, you do not know what you're taking.
"It could be anything from rat droppings to rat poison that's in those tablets, and you're taking that into your body and putting your life at risk. It is not worth the risk."
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ITV News
2 days ago
- ITV News
Thousands of pounds worth of potentially life-threatening tablets seized as part of major operation
In just five months, the police seized 100,000 powerful fake anti-anxiety tablets that can be life-threatening. They are called pregabalin, although on the streets they are known as Belfast buds. The Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, has described the drug as "widespread in society" and warned that the tablets seized have a "strength of 300mg" but "75mg is the normal dosage". "So even if that is genuine stuff and passes any kind of regulatory test, it's far, far too strong, and it's damaging people's lives up to the point of putting those lives at risk," he said. Hundreds of weight-loss kits, sold on the black market for up to £400, have also also been seized. They were discovered as part of a worldwide operation known as 'Pangea'; the police then carried out follow up searches and interviewed a number of suspects. "You're not just putting money in the pockets of people who are reckless with regard to your health and wellbeing, but also will be using that money to fund other criminal enterprises," warned the Justice Minister. Naomi Long added: "Do not play Russian roulette with your health because that's what you do. You take one of these pills, you do not know what you're taking. "It could be anything from rat droppings to rat poison that's in those tablets, and you're taking that into your body and putting your life at risk. It is not worth the risk." Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.
BreakingNews.ie
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