Internationally some $81 million of ‘fake’ drugs have been confiscated, and a series of prosecutions are beginning. This is the result of operations in 115 countries. Many of the products were sold on-line. In total some 19,000 packages were seized in a single week.
The confiscated drugs are either counterfeit (that is, the formula for a pharmaceutical product had been copied and an unlicensed version made) or, worse, fake (that is the drug simply does not work and may actually cause harm).
The operation was coordinated by Interpol, in partnership with health agencies. There are three investigations into illegal drugs currently in progress: Storm (Southeast Asia), Mamba (Eastern Africa) and Pangea (targeting the Internet).
One part of the operation included the U.K. Here $30 million of drugs were seized. These drugs, the BBC reports, included:
two million doses of erectile dysfunction drugs
slimming drugs – some of which can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes
narcolepsy pills
abortion pills
diabetes medication
hair-loss drugs
cancer medicines, particularly for breast and prostate
medical devices, including fake condoms and dental laboratories
Commenting on this, a spokesperson for the U.K. body responsible – the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) – Alastair Jeffrey, said: “The MHRA are committed to tackling the illegal trade in medical products and have been working with counterparts across the globe to close down websites and social media sites illegally advertising and selling these products. Criminals involved in the supply of medical products have no interest in your health; it is simply your money they want. Buying medicines from unregulated Internet sites can be risky – you are gambling with your health.”
Although millions of dollars worth of fake drugs were seized, the total relates only to a single week. Many interactions continue online. Digital Journal readers are advised not to buy medications over the Internet, especially if they are of a type that would normally require a doctor’s prescription. They are probably fake.
