Health and crime experts are warning Scots of the dangers of using counterfeit and ‘non-conforming’ condoms which are being imported into the UK by unscrupulous traders out to make a profit with awareness being raised by an Edinburgh PR Agency.
The warning follows the interception last month of 10,000 condoms by UK Border Force which has sparked fears that previous consignments may have been distributed north of the border.
The issue of counterfeit condoms is a major problem for UK Border Force, with packaging often designed to replicate legitimate and recognisable brands.
Lynda Scammell, Senior Policy Manager for Enforcement at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the UK regulator of medicines and medical devices, is one of the key speakers at ‘The Real McCoy’, an event to highlight the global threat of illicit trade and its implications for Scottish consumers and businesses.
She said: “The use of counterfeit/non-CE marked condoms carries a variety of health risks – including unsafe manufacturing which could lead to bursting and potentially resulting in unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases.
“Condoms are an example of a medical product that can be replicated and produced in unregulated factories with a complete absence of the regulation that ensures products comply with standards of quality, reliability and safety. Other seizures have included dental equipment, syringes and contact lenses.
“MHRA also tackles huge numbers of cases involving falsified and authorised medicines such as tanning pills and Libivi, erectile dysfunction medicine amoung others. Individuals involved in the illegal sale and supply of medicines and medical devices put their profits over your health.
“Buy yours from a registered pharmacy or reputable trader – on the high street or online. ”
Highlighting hidden dangers
Hosted by the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC), “The Real McCoy” will address the full spectrum of anti-illicit trade – focusing not only on consumer goods such as fashion wear and accessories but also dangerous food produce, medical products and technology.
Coinciding with the event, which takes place at Glasgow City Chambers, on the 27th May, will be a fully interactive live ‘street market’ stocked with fake produce, located on George Square and intended to highlight the often hidden dangers of fake goods to the wider public.
Chief Inspector Ronald Megaughin, Deputy Director of SBRC, said: “It is incredibly alarming that individuals will seek to profit from the sale of medical products that can dupe the buyer into purchasing potentially harmful –and in worst cases deadly – items.
“Hopefully this event paired with the street market will help shift public attitudes against all types of counterfeit goods, highlight its many victims and raise awareness of the trade’s often surprising and common threats.”
Also speaking on the topic of healthcare, will be Mike Isles of the Alliance of Safe Online Pharmacy (ASOP EU).
The conference will feature a talk from Mark Hogarth of Harris Tweed, discussing the industry perspective in illicit goods.
The SBRC is also set to welcome a speaker from Business in the Community for China to discuss advice for Scottish businesses looking to engage with the emerging Chinese economy.
The event will be hosted by Michael Ellis of Interpol, who based in France will discuss his unique take on the international and often dark forces moving these illicit goods.
Previously known for his campaign against the trading of fake alcohol, Michael was at the helm of one of the world’s largest ever seizures of fake food and drink.
For more information on Anti Illicit Trade Conference 2016 and to download the delegate packs, visit: www.sbrcentre.co.uk or contact our Edinburgh PR Agency.
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