By Adam Evans
Six men have been arrested after a joint operation between the PSNI and Greater Manchester Police into the unlawful sale of medicine and controlled drugs online.
Several million pounds worth of pharmaceutical drugs were seized in Greater Manchester earlier.
The men are being held on suspicion of supplying Class C drugs.
The PSNI say the investigation has been carried out by the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority who are responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices are acceptably safe, in conjunction with PSNI and Bury Police.
Chief Inspector Alan Hutton said: "We have spent the past few months working with MHRA and GMP in identifying where the public are able to get hold of these controlled drugs, and uncovering who is responsible. From this investigation, it is clear that this is a comprehensive operation, with genuine pharmaceuticals being unlawfully removed from the supply chain in the UK and then sold, illegally, online.
"While arrests have been made in Greater Manchester today, we are continuing with our investigations and are committed to finding those who facilitate the supply of illegal substances across Derry City and Strabane Policing District and indeed across Northern Ireland. I continue to appeal for the public to report anything suspicious to police. I would ask anyone with any information about the use or supply of illegal drugs to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
Swann refuses to rule out resigning if budget is not changed
Fresh inquests ordered into deaths of 15 killed in McGurk’s bomb blast
Trial ends after man accused of murder of young showjumper is found dead
A brief hearing and chaotic scenes as Donaldson makes first court appearance