dnp-pills

The National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) and Ards and North Down Borough Council today executed search warrants at two premises in Bangor, County Down in Northern Ireland as part of a proactive criminal investigation targeting the illegal sale of 2,4 dinitrophenol (commonly known as DNP). The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) was also in attendance.

A quantity of a substance believed to be DNP, in both capsule and raw form, was seized from one of the premises. Officers have spoken to a 43-year-old man in connection with this seizure.

DNP is a highly toxic chemical which is not meant for human consumption. When misused as a fat burning supplement, DNP has been the cause of a number of recent deaths in the UK.

Andy Morling, Head of Food Crime at the Food Standards Agency, said: ‘Last year, DNP was responsible for six deaths. Today’s multi-agency operation demonstrates how seriously the NFCU takes the illegal sale of DNP in the UK. Rest assured, if you are selling DNP online or offline we will find you.

‘It is only through our close working partnership with local authorities and other law enforcement agencies in the UK and abroad that we are able to tackle offenders, close websites and work to disrupt possible supply routes within and into the UK.

‘As DNP is an industrial chemical there is no safe dosage and it is not made to be consumed as a diet supplement. Please do not be persuaded by the claims being made, as those selling DNP do not care about your wellbeing.’

DNP has legitimate uses in areas such as biochemical research and in manufacturing chemicals. For this reason, DNP is not illegal for sale but it is illegal when sold for human consumption.

Help us prevent another DNP death

The highly toxic ‘fat burning’ substance known as DNP can be sold in capsules or powders and it continues to be consumed. This can and does kill. That’s why we are urgently warning the public not to take any tablets, capsules, powders or liquids containing this deadly ingredient. DNP is an industrial chemical that is not fit for human consumption.

The National Food Crime Unit

The FSA’s National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) works with partners to protect consumers from serious criminal activity that impacts on the safety or authenticity of the food and drink they consume.