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THOUSANDS of pounds worth of cosmetic dermal filler products have been seized in an operation in Glasgow.

Boxes of the unlicensed and unprescribed products were confiscated from a warehouse in the north of the city.

Environmental health officers took possession of dermal fillers, needles and vials of Botulinum toxin, worth thousands of pounds, with officers from the Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU) of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

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The action took place after complaints from the public and concerns raised by Police Scotland about the type of products being stored, distributed and sold from the premises.

The products included 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.

The council has stressed the dangers of unlicensed products and warned about ‘”pop-up clinics”.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, convener of neighbourhood services, said: “The use of unlicensed and unauthorised products and unprescribed medicines in some aesthetics clinics is a serious concern. It is illegal and puts people’s health at risk.

“Our Environmental Health team has received an increasing number of complaints about practices and procedures in Glasgow aesthetic clinics which don’t need to register with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS).”

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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.”

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

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

Botulinum toxin, which is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) should only be used if prescribed by a competent person (e.g. doctor, nurse, etc.) and following a one-to-one consultation between the client and prescriber.

“The Botulinum toxins should also be labelled with the name of the person receiving the injections.”

Guidance has been issued to people who may be thinking about having procedures done.

It includes: “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.

“Prescription only medicines, such as Botulinum toxins and hyaluronidase should only be used if prescribed by a competent person (doctor, nurse, etc). Prescription Only Medicines should not be used without a prescription made out specifically to you.

“Prior to any procedures being carried out insist on a thorough consultation. When undergoing any procedure involving the use of a Prescription Only Medicine ensure a 1-1 consultation takes place between yourself and the prescriber.”