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”.

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