Five boxes of antibiotic tablets intended for companion animals were seized at the UK’s Heathrow Distribution Centre on Thursday. The medicines arrived from India without certification or import permit, prompting their detention and subsequent seizure.
The UK’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) stated that the package contained amoxycillin and potassium clavulanate tablets from Finecure Pharmaceuticals, which were not authorized for use in Great Britain or Northern Ireland. The medicines were meant for a residential address in Lancashire.
According to the VMD, the seized medicines did not have any relevant certification to permit their import. The agency invoked Regulation 25 of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 to detain the unauthorised veterinary medicinal products.
The statement from VMD also highlighted that the package contained “5 boxes (each containing 100 tablets) of amoxycillin and potassium clavulanate tablets.” The agency emphasized that the products did not meet the necessary requirements for import into the UK.
The incident underscores the importance of adhering to regulations and certifications when importing veterinary medicines to ensure the safety and legality of such products. The VMD’s swift action in seizing the unauthorised medicines serves as a reminder of the stringent measures in place to protect public health and animal welfare.
