Thousands of pounds worth of unlicensed dermal filler seized

Boxes of dermal fillers, needles and vials of Botulinum were seized

Thousands of pounds worth of unlicensed and un-prescribed products used in cosmetic injections have been seized from a Glasgow warehouse.

Boxes of dermal fillers, needles and vials of botulinum toxin were found during a raid on the premises in an industrial estate in the north of the city.

The operation was carried out by the criminal enforecement unit of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

It took place after concerns were raised by members of the public and Police Scotland about products being stored, distributed and sold from the premises.

Botulinum toxin injections - such as Botox - relax facial muscles to smooth out lines and wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and frown lines.

It is a prescription-only medicine and should only be prescribed by a medic such as a doctor or nurse following a one-to-one consultation.

Dermal fillers are injected into the face and lips to fill lines and wrinkles and add volume to areas such as cheeks.

Among the unauthorised products found in the Glasgow warehouse were almost 400 non-compliant dermal fillers and 320 non-compliant needles/cannulas.

More than 180 vials of unlicensed and suspected illegally traded botulinum toxin were also seized.

'Pop-up clinics'

Glasgow City Council has stressed the dangers of using unlicensed products.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, convener of neighbourhood services, said: “Demand for these types of procedures is high and we are also finding that practitioners are travelling around the UK to hold pop-up clinics in locations that are not suitable for this type of treatment."

He added that people needed to be "extremely careful" when considering undergoing cosmetic procedures.

Andy Morling, MHRA Deputy Director (Criminal Enforcement), said: “Medicines like these are powerful and dangerous in the wrong hands, potentially leading to serious adverse health consequences.

"The criminals trading in these products are not only breaking the law, they also have no regard for people’s safety."

Advice has been issued to people who may be planning to have an aesthetic procedure.

Anyone planning to have an aesthetic procedure should:

• Carry out research to identify reputable clinics employing competent aesthetic practitioners, who are sufficiently trained and have the necessary qualifications to carry out your procedure safely.

• Ensure the products being used are licensed, approved and intended for use within the UK.

• When undergoing any procedure involving the use of a Prescription Only Medicine ensure a 1-1 consultation takes place between yourself and the prescriber."

• Consider the treatment and price being offered – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

More advice on beauty procedures can be found here.

The Scottish government is considering developing a Licensing Scheme for aesthetic activities.