Health officialsI seize VIagra tablets during searches in Belfast’s sex shops

HEALTH chiefs have seized £25,000 worth of illegal Viagra tablets during raids at sex shops in Belfast city centre.

Now those caught selling the tablets will face prosecution, including possible prison sentences or hefty fines.

During the planned raids on Tuesday, over 5,000 the illegal blue tablets worth confiscated from the sex shops.

They were seized by medicines enforcement officials from the Department of Health with PSNI officers acting in support.

It is part of a crackdown on the sale of illegal sex drugs on the high street.

The operation is part of an ongoing investigation by the Department of Health into the retail supply of unlicensed medicines.

The Department of Health said the erectile dysfunction pills were on open sale in the shops.

Peter Moore, senior medicines enforcement officer with the medicines regulatory group of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety Northern Ireland, said: “These seizures demonstrate that we are committed to pursuing those involved in the illicit supply of prescription medicines and taking action to ensure the public is protected.

“If you buy a medicine from unregulated High Street sources like these, you very well may be receiving a product that is unlicensed, fake or could react adversely with any other medication you take.

“My advice to the public is that they should speak to their GP or pharmacist who can advise them on the best treatment for their condition. Only healthcare professionals can take into account risks and benefits associated with every medicine.”

Last December, police raided a house in Dunmurry’s Chestnutt Park and seized a quantity of Viagra tablets.