Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

Operation Pangea XVI: Global Illicit Medicines Targeted by INTERPOL Operation

Every year since 2008, the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has carried out large-scale operations to combat the illegal trade in medicines, known as Operation Pangea.

A global crackdown on illicit medicines in 89 countries, called Operation Pangea XVI, from October 3-10, resulted in 72 arrests, the seizure of dangerous pharmaceuticals worth over USD 7 million, 325 new investigations, and the closure of 1,300 criminal websites. Erectile dysfunction meds accounted for 22% of seizures, followed by psychotherapeutic agents at 19%. Notable seizures included counterfeit cough syrups in Mozambique, COVID-19 test kits in Australia, hidden painkillers in cereal boxes in Qatar, and expired pain medicines between Peru and Ecuador. INTERPOL and partners continue to combat this public safety threat.


Source:

INTERPOL News

Meet the GMP Compliance Adviser

The GMP Compliance Adviser is the world's largest knowledge portal for quality management in the pharma business. 

The demo access is non-binding and ends automatically.

Test it now for free

You may also be interested in the following articles:

EMA: Q&A Paper on Measures to Prevent Microbial Contamination of Non-Sterile Medicinal Products

EMA: Q&A Paper on Measures to Prevent Microbial Contamination of Non-Sterile Medicinal Products

The EMA has published a new Q&A paper on technical and organisational measures to prevent microbial contamination of non-sterile medicinal products.
Read more
Why is import authorisation necessary for medicinal products entering the EU?

Why is import authorisation necessary for medicinal products entering the EU?

Read more
When APS Fail and First Air is at Risk

When APS Fail and First Air is at Risk

At the PDA Good Aseptic Manufacturing Conference 2026, Alberto Gonzales (Takeda) discussed challenges and practical solutions related to aseptic process simulations (APS). Anna Campanella (Takeda) and Hussein Bachir (Franz Ziel) explored how first air protection in aseptic processing can be compromised by equipment design, glove interventions, and operator activities.
Read more
FDA: Updated Compliance Program for Preapproval Inspections

FDA: Updated Compliance Program for Preapproval Inspections

The FDA has revised its Compliance Program 7346.832, “Preapproval Inspections”. The updated program describes the planning, conduct and evaluation of preapproval inspections (PAIs) for New Drug Applications (NDAs) and Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs).
Read more
EMA: Revised Q&A MRA EU-USA

EMA: Revised Q&A MRA EU-USA

The EMA has updated its Questions and Answers on the EU-US Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA). The update follows the completion of the FDA's assessment of all EU authorities responsible for GMP inspections of veterinary medicinal products on 29 May 2026.
Read more
WHO: Draft on Regulatory Ovesight of Disposal of Medical Products

WHO: Draft on Regulatory Ovesight of Disposal of Medical Products

WHO published a draft consultation document on regulatory oversight of disposal of medical products throughout the lifecycle.
Read more
Previous
Next