Indian-origin man in UK jailed for importing drugs illegally

London, Aug 16: A 57-year-old Indian-origin man has been jailed for 16 months for illegally importing large quantities of anti-impotency drugs made in India into the UK.

Sundeep Amin, despite possessing no medical qualifications, imported and distributed the erectile dysfunction drugs seized in raids across Britain.

Amin had pleaded guilty to 21 counts of importing, possessing, and supplying unlicensed medicines at Southwark Crown Court on Friday.

He also admitted possessing a large quantity of recreational drug Phenazepam and laundering the proceeds of his crimes, a 'Daily Mirror' report said.

An investigation by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) revealed Amin had several companies registered in his name and rented storage facilities across Essex region in England. Several large quantities of erectile dysfunction drugs imported from India were seized en route to these addresses, including one haul worth 100,000 pounds at Heathrow Airport.

MHRA Head of Enforcement Alastair Jeffrey said: "Amin had no medical qualifications and was dealing in unlicensed medicines, which is a lethal combination and a serious risk to public health.

"His operation ran for several years and it is further proof that if you buy medication from an illicit source, you are handing over money to a criminal."

PTI