“The criminal networks behind many of the illicit websites are passing themselves off as legitimate pharmacies.”
Irish police seize DNP products
The national police service for the Republic of Ireland, An Garda Síochána, seized the products from retailers this year using property search warrants, a spokesperson from the HPRA told us.
"The product DNP was found and detained in 2015 while the HPRA was conducting investigations into the supply of unauthorised medicines. These detentions took place during the execution of two searches under warrant. Other unauthorised medicinal products were also detained during the execution of these warrants."
She said the investigation was ongoing and no further details could be given on the Irish retailers, products and how they were found.
The spokesperson said the DNP products seized did not relate to any fatalities.
The separate investigations came as the death of a young Irish man was announced last week. It seemed the man took slimming tablets bought online that contained DNP. An English 21-year-old woman also died in May sparking concerns about how easy it was to buy the products.
Commenting on the latest victim, the spokesperson said: “The criminal networks behind many of the illicit websites are passing themselves off as legitimate pharmacies.”
An Garda Síochána and the HPRA were liaising on their respective investigation into the incident.
No product was found in direct relation to the latest fatality and there had been no search warrant issued. The investigation was based on information provided by a healthcare professional.
“At this point in the investigation the HPRA’s understanding is that this man purchased a product containing DNP on the internet, consumed the product, felt unwell and sought medical assistance, and unfortunately died. This is the basis of our public health warning.”
The case has now been forwarded to a coroner.
