Lorraine Williamson
A man has been arrested in Madrid by the Policía Nacional for illegally distributing retroviral drugs and medications used to treat erectile dysfunction.
The operation was conducted with the help of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products. Furthermore, it uncovered a network importing these controlled substances from Northern Ireland. The suspect, previously arrested for similar crimes alongside his mother, was caught again after an extensive investigation spanning several years.
The case begins
The investigation started in 2020 when police officers monitoring the web detected a website offering illicit medications, including retrovirals and treatments for erectile dysfunction. These drugs were subject to medical prescriptions and, in some cases, could only be dispensed in hospitals. The nature of the medications posed a significant public health risk, prompting immediate action by authorities.
The methods of distribution
The suspect used fictitious identity details to evade detection and conducted his operations through various websites and social media channels. Despite multiple takedowns of related websites, the individual continued to operate under different aliases, importing the drugs mainly from Northern Ireland. The police were able to trace his activities and uncover the scale of the operation, which involved the distribution of large quantities of medication across Spain and beyond.
Arrest and ongoing investigation
By mid-2024, the identity of the suspect was confirmed, leading to his arrest alongside his mother, who allegedly assisted with packaging and managing the distribution network. The investigation also revealed a company set up to facilitate the illicit trade. Early this year, authorities discovered a new website mirroring the previously shut-down pages, which once again sold the same restricted drugs. The suspect was arrested a second time, and the site was promptly shut down.
Public health risk mitigated
As a result of the ongoing investigation, police were able to intercept numerous shipments of these dangerous substances. In total, 50 packages were seized, containing over 8,000 doses of retrovirals and 50 tablets of erectile dysfunction medication. These actions have helped prevent further harm to public health by dismantling the distribution network.
This arrest underscores the persistent efforts of the National Police and other health agencies in tackling illegal drug distribution online. Authorities are continuing to monitor suspicious sites and shut down operations selling unregulated and potentially harmful medications.
Also read: Woman arrested at Alicante airport with nearly 20,000 illegal erectile dysfunction pills