Freedom of Information request about number of benzodiazepines seized by MHRA (FOI-21-030)
Published 24 March 2021
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Thank you for your communication to the MHRA in relation to a Freedom of Information request for the number of benzodiazepines seized by MHRA for all the years on record.
To assist you in your enquiries, I am providing some background information.
The MHRA has limited direct involvement in the seizure of benzodiazepines (which are scheduled as controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971) but the figures below relate to seizures made by us in the course of our investigations.
| ——– | Diazepam 10mg | Clonazepam | Lorazepam | Etizolam | Alprazolam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 11739 | ——— | ——— | ——— | ——— |
| 2017 | 98717 | 171080 | 171444 | 24400 | ——— |
UK Border Force is responsible for the seizure of controlled drugs at points of entry into the UK and may wish to contact the Home Office to obtain a fuller picture on wider seizures.
If you have a query about this letter, please do not hesitate to contact us at IE&SFOI@mhra.gov.uk
If you are unhappy with our decision, you may ask for it to be reviewed. That review will be undertaken by a senior member of the Agency who has not previously been involved in your request. If you wish to pursue that option please email: info@mhra.gov.uk
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, we are not able to accept delivery of any documents or correspondence by post or courier to any of our offices.
After that, if you remain dissatisfied, you may write to the Information Commissioner at;
The Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
They will make a decision on whether or not we have interpreted the FOIA correctly in handling your request.
Yours sincerely
IE&S FOI Team
MHRA
Inspection, Enforcement and Standards