Interpol seizes 13 million worth fake drugs and medical devices

Thousands of online pharmacies have been taken down by the Interpol for distributing fake and illicit drugs. This was done during an Operation called ‘Pangea XIV’ that was targeted for illegal pharmaceutical and medical activities.

The operation was carried out by health regulatory authorities, customs and law enforcement agencies around 92 countries with Interpol being the bridge of the communication. In total, 113,020 sites have been removed in this operation.

Interpol’s Operation Pangea XIV

The operation has also seized 3 million fake drugs, medicines and devices in the UK, which are worth 13 million USD. Also, fake COVID-19 testing kits are the major of those fake identifications, resulting in the seizure of dangerous medicines around the world worth 23 million USD. During the operation authorities found 2800 nerve pain tablets within tins of baked beans.

The digital transformation that forced people to move into an online lifestyle has been the prime reasons for illegal activities like these, COVID-19 transformed the way people shop online and that’s the opportunity for these criminals to distribute illegal medicines. The worst part is while few were aware of these illicit medicines, the others had bought it assuming these are legitimate ones, thus putting their lives at risk.

Below is the list of drugs, devices and medicines that were seized during this operation:

• Antimalarials
• Antiseptics and germicides
• Erectile dysfunction pills
• Hypnotic and sedative medication
• Analgesi
• Anti-cancer medication
• CS/Painkillers.
• Vitamins
• Anabolic steroids
• Medical devices (Covid Test kits, masks, syringes, catheters, surgical devices, etc,)

Recommendations from FBI to identify fake drugs

The FBI has given its advice and ideas to identify fake or illicit drugs,

• Examine the packages and their lot numbers to be careful around changes in the prescription to the drugs that are being offered.
• If there are adverse effects, contact your doctor or physician as soon as possible.
• If there is a suspicion on a drug please call a doctor to verify the same.
• Always purchase drugs only from the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS), provided by the Association of Boards of Pharmacy in the United States.
• Its a red light when the products/drugs are offered at discounts or cheaper price compared to the market price.

Interpol is closing monitoring other distribution networks and to clean things up as pharmacies and medical equipment are imperative things to look after.

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