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:

FDA: New Draft Guidance on Impurity Specifications for Antibiotics

FDA: New Draft Guidance on Impurity Specifications for Antibiotics

The US FDA has issued a new draft guidance (April 2026) on Impurity Specifications for Antibiotics.
Read more
EDQM: Guidance on Traceability of Medicines in Hospitals

EDQM: Guidance on Traceability of Medicines in Hospitals

The EDQM has published new guidance on the traceability of medicines in hospital settings. The aim is to improve traceability up to the point of administration and strengthen patient safety.
Read more
Which Measures are Crucial for Implementation and Monitoring of Data Integrity?

Which Measures are Crucial for Implementation and Monitoring of Data Integrity?

Here's the answer:
Read more
Contamination Control Strategy (CCS) – Not Just an Extended Site Master File

Contamination Control Strategy (CCS) – Not Just an Extended Site Master File

At the GMP-PharmaCongress in Wiesbaden, GMP inspector Frank Sielaff (Regional Authority in Darmstadt, Germany) shared practical insights from recent inspections, high-lighting deficiencies in CCS implementation.

Read more
EMA/HMA: Call for Regulatory Updates for Radiopharmaceuticals

EMA/HMA: Call for Regulatory Updates for Radiopharmaceuticals

In their „Horizon Scanning Report“, EMA and HMA have recommended updates to the regulatory framework to keep pace with developments in radiopharmaceuticals. Due to their unique characteristics these products require specific regulatory and scientific approaches.
Read more
How can the Specific Requirements for Sterile Products be Taken into Account in the Quality Management System?

How can the Specific Requirements for Sterile Products be Taken into Account in the Quality Management System?

Here's the answer:
Read more
Previous
Next