Operation PANGEA XIV: Worldwide week of action against criminal online trade in medicines
Once a year, operation PANGEA takes place, a globally organized action by Interpol against the online distribution of illegally imported medicines. Within this week of action, participating countries check (and close) suspicious websites and seize counterfeit medicines. In addition, this action aims to create public awareness of the issue.
This year, PANGEA took place for the 14th time: From May 18 to 25, a total of 92 countries participated. In the process, 120,000 websites were assessed and 113,000 websites were closed. 9 million illegal and counterfeit medicines were seized. Among them were mainly counterfeit medical masks and COVID-19 test kits. Swissmedic also adds that potency drugs also made up a large proportion of the seized medicines. Most of the medicines confiscated in Switzerland were manufactured in Asian countries. Of the seized shipments, 41% came from Poland and 16% came from Germany.
Counterfeit medicines pose a major health risk if taken incorrectly. They either contain no active ingredient or less than the drug is supposed to have.
Source:
Interpol: Newsroom
Swissmedic: Newsroom
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