TGA seizes more than 55,000 potentially dangerous products with the assistance of NSW Police

On 22 February the TGA, with the assistance of NSW Police, executed 3 search warrants connected to an individual operating in the Newcastle area of New South Wales. The warrants were conducted as part of an investigation into the alleged importation, advertising and supply of unapproved medicines.

More than 55,000 potentially dangerous products that were allegedly intended for supply in Australia were seized. Products suspected of containing alkyl nitrite, commonly known as ‘poppers’, and unapproved prescription medicines for erectile dysfunction were seized together with documents, packaging and advertising materials.

The seized products are prescription medicines that were allegedly not included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and therefore cannot be legally supplied in Australia.

Unregulated medicines can pose a serious risk to consumers as they:

• may contain little or no active ingredient
• may contain undisclosed and potentially dangerous ingredients
• may have been manufactured poorly and cheaply
• may not do what they claim.

Further enforcement action against the party is currently underway. Penalties for illegal supply of unapproved therapeutic goods can be to 5-years imprisonment and/or up to $1.1 million.

You can report counterfeit products, suspicious or illegal activity or make a report about non-compliant advertising online.

Contact for members of the media:

• Email: news@health.gov.au 
• Phone: 02 6289 7400