Interpol seizes 25m illicit and fake medicines
Interpol has seized more than $51 million worth of potentially dangerous medicines in its latest operation.
The organisation announced the accomplishment on Monday, September 25.
Operation Pangea X, which targeted the illicit online sale of medicines and medical devices, was supported by Europol.
The action resulted in the launch of 1,058 investigations, 3,584 websites being taken offline and the suspension of more than 3,000 online adverts for illicit pharmaceuticals.
Approximately 400 arrests were made worldwide and a record number of 25 million illicit and counterfeit medicines were seized.
The operation involved 197 police, customs and health regulatory authorities from a record 123 countries.
Epilepsy medication, erectile dysfunction pills, anti-psychotic medication, nutritional products, dietary supplements, and pain reduction pills were among the medicines seized.
An estimated $500,000 of illicit devices, such as dental devices, condoms and surgical equipment, were also seized.
Operation Pangea began in 2008 with eight countries taking part. This years’ initiative saw the highest participation of African countries, many for the first time.
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo confiscated nearly 650kg of illicit anti-malaria pills.
Immanuel Sam, head of the Interpol National Central Bureau in Namibia, said: “The sale of fake or counterfeit pharmaceuticals is a growing concern across Africa, as it creates a dangerous situation for the health of unsuspecting consumers who trust that the products they purchase are safe to use.”
Sam added that global actions such as the operation are critical to “cutting off the supply of dangerous medicines and apprehending the criminals behind this deadly trade”.
Did you enjoy reading this story? Sign up to our free newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox.
Sign up for our latest webinar, Biotech patentability issues in Europe.
Already registered?
Login to your account
If you don't have a login or your access has expired, you will need to purchase a subscription to gain access to this article, including all our online content.
For more information on individual annual subscriptions for full paid access and corporate subscription options please contact us.
To request a FREE 2-week trial subscription, please signup.
NOTE - this can take up to 48hrs to be approved.
For multi-user price options, or to check if your company has an existing subscription that we can add you to for FREE, please email Adrian Tapping at atapping@newtonmedia.co.uk