Theft of Medical Supplies from Witham
04 March 2019 (Last updated: 27 Mar 2019 13:34)
The Essex Police have asked to make BAAPS members aware that a large quantity of Botox and Azzalure botulinum toxin was stolen from a supplier in Essex and officers believe it’s been sold on for the black market, so could be anywhere in the country.
The social media links to the press release are copied below, along with the full release.
https://www.facebook.com/EssexPoliceUK/posts/2106733089410580
https://twitter.com/EssexPoliceUK/status/1101840113099784193
FULL RELEASE:
We are continuing our enquiries into the theft of medical supplies from Witham.
A large quantity of botulinum toxin worth a six figure sum was stolen from Dental Directory in Perry Way sometime between 8pm on Saturday 23 February and midnight on Sunday 24 February.
The burglars are believed to have been using a white Ford Transit van, which had roof bars. There were at least four men, all wearing dark clothing.
Detective Chief Inspector Martin Pasmore said: “We believe these items are most likely to have been stolen to be sold on, and so we want to make clinicians aware in case they are offered them for sale.
“The boxes are labelled with the brand names Azzalure and Botox and as with any drugs used in medical procedures, they must only be administered by people who are appropriately trained.
“They also have to be stored appropriately in order to be at their most effective and safe. If patients use a qualified clinician it is highly unlikely that these stolen products will be encountered.
“If not stored correctly or used inappropriately, possible side effects could be allergic reactions including numbness or infections. Such side effects would require early medical advice.”
Less likely other side effects could be serious infection, extended numbness, slurred speech or breathlessness. Reactions like this would require urgent medical attention.
Anyone who has been offered, or seen, these items for sale recently and is suspicious of where they came from are asked to contact Braintree CID on 101 quoting reference 42/30285/19.
We are also keen to speak to anyone who has any information about the burglary.
You can also report online at www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online
Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org
About the BAAPS:
The BAAPS (www.baaps.org.uk), based at the Royal College of Surgeons, is a not-for-profit organisation, established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit. Members undergo thorough background screening before they can join. Information about specific procedures and surgeons’ contact details can be found on the website, or by contacting their office at 020 7430 1840. Further materials can be posted to members of the public seeking specialised information. BAAPS is also on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BAAPSMedia and Facebook: www.facebook.com/BritishAssociationofAestheticPlasticSurgeons
For all media enquiries, please contact pr@baaps.org.uk
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