Ballymena man convicted for unlawful possession of weight-loss medicines

Date published: 25 February 2026

Daniel O’Neill, owner of a gym at Ross Court in Ballymena, appeared at Ballymena Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to the offence. 

The Court heard that on Thursday 9 October 2025 an enforcement officer from the Department of Health's Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) visited the defendant’s DISQ Gym business at Ross Court Ballymena. During the visit the MRG officer discovered and seized unlicensed weight-loss medicines intended for sale or supply. 

Peter Moore, Senior Medicines Enforcement Officer, with the Department of Health who directed the investigation said: “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.

“Of particular concern to MRG is the supply of unlicensed weight-loss injections outside the normal healthcare arena. This investigation has confirmed unlicensed medication in circulation, which presents a real risk of adverse health effects. We continue to monitor the marketplace and will take effective action where this is necessary.” 

Aaron McKendry, Interim Head of Medicines Regulatory Group, added: “The risk to public safety posed by the unlawful distribution and misuse of unauthorised medicinal products in Northern Ireland is a serious issue. Taking short cuts and using these medicines could expose you to a dangerous counterfeit or substandard medicine.

“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. 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.

“The Department is committed to taking all possible steps to stop 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.”