UK: ordering prescription meds on the internet

[ReynardTheFox]

So my friend Bob popped over the other night, and asked me about the legality of ordering prescription meds (for the sake of argument, alprazolam) over the internet, and getting them shipped to the UK. Bob figured he'd use a Euro based pharmacy, on the basis that this would incur less customs hassles.

I of course have no clue, so couldn't tell Bob one way or another. Does anyone here have any useful experience or advice?

Bob says he would like to make it clear that this is not a clandestine request for sources!

[dr ACE]

it is illegal to purchase any prescribtion drugs without a prescribtion,but it can be done at the risk of the buyer getting the product sezied,getting a love letter from the customs,or the worst case would be getting a knock at the door from the police mob

[ReynardTheFox]

Thanks

Yeah Bob figured it would be illegal. Bob was just wondering whether there's any way to mitigate the risk - ordering within Europe, small quantities, etc?

Bob says he's been lurking on another forum and there's lots of talk of love letters, missing packages etc, but little talk of real, physical, on the front door step, middle of the night, "we're the Sweeney son and we 'aven't 'ad any dinner", trouble from the law. This is in the US though.

So basically I guess from what Bob is saying to me, he's trying to guage the likelihood of the worst case occurring...

[Citizen Kane]

The consequences will be directly proportional to what would happen in your country if the police would find prescription drugs (for the sake of argument alprazolam) with you for which you don't have a prescription, after you shot the breeze in the metro at midnight and were observed exchanging something with shady characters.

It depends on the substance, its quantity, how it is classified, the penal laws of your country, as well as the current drug enforcement policy. It also could simply depend on whether the officer is benevolent or lazy or not.

Some European countries would most likely not prosecute small amounts of alprazolam for personal use if you are a first-time offender based on the negligibility of the offense, while others would. I have no idea how the UK deals with such things.

If you want my advice: It's simply not worth it. Bob should go to a physician, inform him about his medical condition, and ask for it. It shouldn't be a problem to find one that prescribes it to him.

Reputation Comments on this post:

well done good advice

[Sky Walker]

Due to a legal loop hole it can indeed be legal to acquire prescription meds off the net. The law states that to be prescribed meds you must first have a consultation with a qualified physician. After the consultation you may be prescribed what that physician feels is appropriate. The law stating that you must have a consultation does not state that it must be face to face. This means that you can get an on-line consultation (for a fee) and if the physician feels that you are ill and need meds he will prescribe them for you and have the pharmacy post them right to your door.

[Abrad]

^^That is US law AFAIK. SWIM looked into ordering prescription drugs to Ireland and apparently to be import or be in possesion of prescription you must have a prescription which has been filled out by a doctor registered in this country.
I wouldn't be surprised if the UK had similar rules.

[Fantasian]

As Abrad states the prescription in the UK MUST be filled out by a UK doctor.

[adzket]

what if swim had a perscription from a uk g.p could you then order the meds from abroad because your g.p would tell the police you had been percribed them?

[Nagognog2]

No prescription from a local doctor who knows and treats you - illegal. Period.

CLOSED.