A major haul of nearly 10,000 Viagra-type drugs has been seized in north Belfast.

The `Vigora` tablets, which have a street value of around £50,000, were seized as part of a joint operation between Medicine Enforcement Officers from the Department of Health and the PSNI.

This is the first time these tablets, manufactured in India, have been found in Northern Ireland.

The tablets contain sildenafil which is a prescription only medicine and is the active ingredient in Viagra.

Health Minister Shaun Woodward said: "This haul has been a major blow to those people whose only aim is to make money in this illegal trade without any consideration for the consequences.

"All Viagra-type tablets are prescription only medicines and should only be taken on advice from a GP. These tablets are unlicensed and their quality is unproven yet we know they would have been sold to the general public.

"This major seizure proves that there is a market for this type of drug but the public must realise that there are serious risks involved in obtaining them from disreputable sources.

"My department will continue to work with the PSNI to clamp down on the sale of illegal medicines and would appeal to the general public to help us by providing information about any suspicious activity."

Author: Belfast Telegraph, By Nigel Gould

Published On: 29 July 2005

Source: http://www.uk-clinic.co.uk