Daniel O’Neill, the owner of DISQ Gym in Ballymena, has been convicted of unlawfully possessing unlicensed weight-loss medicines. During a court appearance on February 25, 2025, O’Neill pleaded guilty to the offence at Ballymena’s Magistrates Court. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the distribution of unauthorized medicinal products in Northern Ireland.
On October 9, 2025, an enforcement officer from the Department of Health’s Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) conducted an inspection at O’Neill’s gym. The officer discovered and seized several unlicensed weight-loss medications that were intended for sale or supply to the public.
Implications for Public Safety
Following the hearing, Peter Moore, senior medicines enforcement officer with the Department of Health, stated that this conviction serves as a warning against bypassing regulatory systems designed to protect public health. He emphasized the risks associated with purchasing drugs from unregulated sources, stating, “There is no way of knowing what you are buying is what you think it is, and this can have serious consequences for your health.”
Moore also expressed concern over the supply of unlicensed weight-loss injections outside traditional healthcare settings, noting that such medications pose a significant risk of adverse health effects. The MRG continues to monitor the marketplace for similar violations and is prepared to take action when necessary.
Aaron McKendry, interim head of the MRG, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the serious threat posed by the unlawful distribution and misuse of unauthorized medicinal products in Northern Ireland. He warned that taking shortcuts by using such medicines could expose individuals to dangerous counterfeit or substandard products.
Importance of Professional Guidance
McKendry urged the public to consult with healthcare professionals before taking prescription-only medicines. He explained that medicines obtained from unregulated sources are often not prescribed by qualified practitioners and may not meet safety and quality standards.
“Medicines obtained through unregulated or unapproved sources will often not have been prescribed by a healthcare professional, may not have been subject to the normal safety and quality controls on manufacture and, as such, may not be of the required quality or be of the nature described,” he said.
Individuals who have concerns about the unlawful use of medicines are encouraged to report them to the MRG via email at [email protected]. The ongoing investigation into unlicensed medicinal products reflects a broader commitment to ensuring public safety and the integrity of the medicines supply chain in Northern Ireland.
