Revenue seize hundreds of parcels of illegal weight loss medication
Revenue have seized hundreds of parcels of illegal weight loss and other medical products, including items packaged as Ozempic, in operations over recent weeks.
Revenue's Customs Service conducted a number of operations throughout the last few weeks targeting the illicit importation of weight loss and other medical products. These operations were conducted as a result of enhanced risk profiling techniques used by Revenue.
In one such operation, assisted by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), a total of 85 shipments of illicit medical products were identified. This included items packaged as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Further detections over the course of the operation resulted in the interception of additional products packaged as Tirzepatide.
In a separate operation, conducted over the course of a two-week period, 635 detections were made whilst Revenue officers were examining parcels at premises in Dublin and the Midlands.
These parcels contained a range of illicit medical products packaged as Semaglutide, together with substantial volumes of previously unknown Botox-type and tanning products believed to have been sourced via social media.
These seizures reflect an emerging trend noted by Revenue officers, particularly those based at the national mail centres and courier hubs, who have seen a significant increase in packages containing mail order prescription-only medical products.
The vast majority of packages intercepted contain weight-loss products addressed to private individuals who have purchased these products online. Larger consignments are occasionally detected at ports and airports.
As at 31 May 2025, Revenue enforcement teams have seized almost 11,000 individual weight loss products during the course of various ongoing operations. This is a significant increase on the 2,300 individual products seized over the course of 2024.
Our work in this space is supported by advanced risk analysis, profiling and the range of assets available to us. Our strategy also involves developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, and we continue to adopt an agile response to ensure that we deploy our resources optimally to counteract new risk areas as they develop.
Consumers are reminded that it is important to take care when purchasing medical products online, as they may not be safe or effective. Consumers should also be cautious as they may suffer a financial loss if goods they purchase are subsequently seized because they are subject to restrictions.
A spokesperson for Revenue said investigations in respect of all operations are ongoing.
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Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Revenue seize hundreds of parcels of illegal weight loss medication
Revenue have seized hundreds of parcels of illegal weight loss and other medical products, including items packaged as Ozempic, in operations over recent weeks. Revenue's Customs Service conducted a number of operations throughout the last few weeks targeting the illicit importation of weight loss and other medical products. These operations were conducted as a result of enhanced risk profiling techniques used by Revenue. In one such operation, assisted by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), a total of 85 shipments of illicit medical products were identified. This included items packaged as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Further detections over the course of the operation resulted in the interception of additional products packaged as Tirzepatide. In a separate operation, conducted over the course of a two-week period, 635 detections were made whilst Revenue officers were examining parcels at premises in Dublin and the Midlands. These parcels contained a range of illicit medical products packaged as Semaglutide, together with substantial volumes of previously unknown Botox-type and tanning products believed to have been sourced via social media. These seizures reflect an emerging trend noted by Revenue officers, particularly those based at the national mail centres and courier hubs, who have seen a significant increase in packages containing mail order prescription-only medical products. The vast majority of packages intercepted contain weight-loss products addressed to private individuals who have purchased these products online. Larger consignments are occasionally detected at ports and airports. As at 31 May 2025, Revenue enforcement teams have seized almost 11,000 individual weight loss products during the course of various ongoing operations. This is a significant increase on the 2,300 individual products seized over the course of 2024. Our work in this space is supported by advanced risk analysis, profiling and the range of assets available to us. Our strategy also involves developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, and we continue to adopt an agile response to ensure that we deploy our resources optimally to counteract new risk areas as they develop. Consumers are reminded that it is important to take care when purchasing medical products online, as they may not be safe or effective. Consumers should also be cautious as they may suffer a financial loss if goods they purchase are subsequently seized because they are subject to restrictions. A spokesperson for Revenue said investigations in respect of all operations are ongoing.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
The overlooked food dubbed a ‘poor man's Ozempic' that ‘mimics' the miracle weight loss jab for just 60p a day
WEIGHT loss jabs have taken the UK by storm - but for those looking for a more natural alternative, there's a food everyone's talking about. It's been dubbed 'the poor man's 2 Ozempic and other jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro are a revolution in weight loss - but they come at a price Credit: Getty Called psyllium husk, you can find 500g of the stuff on Amazon for The food is said to mimic the fat loss effects of the revolutionary jabs by slowing down digestion, helping you feel fuller for longer and therefore preventing you from eating as much. But does psyllium husk live up to the hype? Here's everything you need to know about the supplement. What is psyllium husk? Psyllium husk is made from the husks of the Plantago ovata plant's seeds, making it a plant-based fibre. Gut health dietitian Jo Travers, from the "It's often used as a laxative." Jo says psyllium husk is a soluble fibre "which means it passes through the small intestine without being completely broken down or absorbed". But it does attract water as it's being digested, becoming a viscous gel. It is known as a 'bulk-forming laxative' because it soaks up water in your digestive system and makes your faeces softer and easier to pass, according to 2 Psyllium husk is fibre supplement that promotes GLP-1, the hormone that weight-loss jabs mimic Credit: Alamy Sun Health Explainer: Fat jabs But can it make you lose weight? Is psyllium husk like Ozempic? Fibre, as we know, can help us go to the toilet. But Jo says: "It is a soluble fibre. Soluble fibre in all forms, not just psyllium, promotes GLP1 which is what weight loss drugs do." GLP-1 is a hormone that is released after eating. GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro mimick this hormone. It signals to your brain that you're full and slows digestion by increasing the time it takes for food to leave the body. Because it is fibre, it can also make someone feel fuller for longer Jo Travers Dietician, the London Nutritionist Jo adds: "It is indigestible, meaning it can help food move through the gut. It can be fermented by bacteria to produce beneficial compounds such as short-chain fatty acids. "It can improve blood sugar and lower cholesterol. Because it is fibre, it can also make someone feel fuller for longer." When you feel fuller for longer, you are less likely to reach for snacks or overeat, which may contribute to weight loss. Registered dietitian Jessica Cording says you can't lose weight by taking the fibre alone. She told 'But just introducing psyllium husk is not enough to cause weight loss.' She also said that "it's not the same as Ozempic". In a But a review of 22 people using the fibre Are there risks to consuming psyllium husk? Jo says psyllium husk is suitable for most adults, "although it is always worth speaking to your GP before you take any supplements, especially if you have any health condition or are taking any medications". "It can slow gastric emptying so could potentially affect some medications, but it isn't associated with any great side effects," she says. "Some people can develop an allergy to it." How do you take it? If you're going to give psyllium husk a whirl, start slowly at first and with lots of water. Jo says: "It absorbs water so it can cause constipation if you don't have additional water." A possible side effect from adding psyllium husk might be a little extra gas, dietitians say. Registered dietitian Keri Gans told Women's Health: 'If a person is not used to consuming fibre in their diet, it may cause gas and bloating at the start. "Therefore, I would recommend starting slowly, less than the recommended dose, and also drinking plenty of water to help acclimate one's body.' She also advised you don't exceed the recommended daily dosage - between 5 and 10 grams per day.
RTÉ News
a day ago
- RTÉ News
Hundreds of weight-loss products seized by Revenue
Weight-loss products, including items packaged as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, have been seized following a number of operations by the Revenue Commissioners. Officers carried out a number of operations in recent weeks targeting the illicit importation of weight loss and other medical products. A total of 85 shipments of products were identified in one operation, including items packaged as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. Additional products labelled as Tirzepatide were also found. In another operation, which was carried out over a two-week period, 635 detections were made while Revenue officers examined parcels at locations in Dublin and the midlands. These contained a range of products packaged as Semaglutide, as well as large amounts of previously unknown Botox-type and tanning products believed to have been sourced via social media. Revenue officers based at national mail centres and courier hubs say they have seen a significant increase in packages containing mail order prescription-only medical products. Most contain weight-loss products addressed to private individuals who have bought the products online. Larger consignments are occasionally detected at ports and airports. As of 31 May this year, Revenue enforcement teams seized almost 11,000 individual weight-loss products during various ongoing operations. This is a significant increase on the 2,300 individual products seized in 2024.
