Northern Ireland nurse fined after illegal medicines uncovered at home clinic

A registered nurse has been fined after a court heard she was operating an unlicensed aesthetics clinic from her home, where prescription-only medicines were being stored and advertised illegally.

Nafeyka Chavdarova, 44, from Portadown, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court where she pleaded guilty to nine offences under the Human Medicines Regulations. She was fined £720 and ordered to pay an offender levy.

Unlicensed medicines seized

The case arose following a visit by enforcement officers from the Department of Health’s Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) in March 2024.

During the inspection of her home at Clendenning Avenue, Portadown, officials discovered and seized a range of unlicensed prescription medicines intended for sale or supply. The property was being used as an aesthetics clinic.

The charges related to the unlawful possession of prescription medicines, including injectable Botulinum toxin type A, Hydroxocobalamin, Hyaluronidase and Lidocaine.

Investigators also established that Chavdarova had been unlawfully advertising prescription-only medicines.

‘Clear message’ on public safety

Peter Moore, Senior Medicines Enforcement Officer with the Department of Health, said the outcome should serve as a warning.

“This conviction sends a clear message that there are consequences if a person attempts to bypass the regulated system and controls which are in place to ensure public safety and integrity of the medicines supply chain.

“I would urge people to consider the implications of buying drugs online or from dubious sources – 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.”

Warning over risks of unregulated treatments

Aaron McKendry, Interim Head of the Medicines Regulatory Group, stressed the importance of proper medical oversight.

“It is extremely important that people take prescription only medicines after consultation with their GP, pharmacist or other healthcare professional who have access to patient health records and can consider the risks and benefits associated with every medicine.

“The Department is committed to taking all possible steps to stop the illegal promotion, supply or misuse of medicines and when appropriate, to alerting the public about the dangers of using medicines outside of the regulated supply chain.”

How to report concerns

Members of the public who have concerns about the unlawful use of medicines can report them to the Department of Health’s Medicines Regulatory Group via email at MRGCaseReferrals@health-ni.gov.uk.

Anyone who suspects a medicine may be falsified is advised to speak to a healthcare professional, such as a pharmacist, and report concerns through the Yellow Card reporting system.

At a glance

• A 44-year-old Portadown nurse was fined £720 at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court

• Nafeyka Chavdarova pleaded guilty to nine offences under medicines regulations

• Unlicensed prescription drugs were found at a home-run aesthetics clinic

• Medicines seized included Botulinum toxin, Lidocaine and other injectables

• The court heard the medicines were intended for sale or supply

• The defendant also unlawfully advertised prescription-only medicines

• Health officials warn of serious risks from unregulated or online drug sources

• Public urged to report concerns about illegal medicines use

• Authorities say enforcement action will continue to protect public safety

• Case highlights risks linked to unregulated cosmetic treatments