Interpol short for International Criminal Police Organization has shut down thousands of online marketplaces that established as pharmacies and pushed harmful illegal and fake drugs and medicines.
During Operation Pangea XIV all the illegal online pharmacies record numbers were shut down, which targeted online sellers of counterfeit and illicit pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
Health authorities, Law enforcement agencies, customs from 92 countries coordinate by Interpol took down “113,020 web links including websites and online marketplaces being closed down or removed.
The Interpol added that “In the UK, in inclusion to the breakdown of around three million fake medicines and devices cost more than USD 13 million, organizations also removed more than 3,100 advertising links for the illicit sale and supply of illegitimate medicines, and shut down 43 websites.”
“Unauthorized and fake COVID-19 testing kits assumed for more than half of the entire medical devices breakdown during the week of action from 18th may to 25th may which resulted in 277 arrests across the world and the convulsion of probably harmful pharmaceuticals worth more than USD 23 million.”
In the ongoing Operation Pangea XIV, law enforcement agents also checked packages transmitted from online stores and erect fake and illegal drugs hidden amongst illegal products like clothes, toys, and even food.
In this case, more than 2,800 nerve pain medicines were found inside tins of baked beans.
“As the epidemic forced more people to move their online, criminals were quick to target these new ‘customers’,” said INTERPOL Secretary General Jurgen Stock.
How Many Medical Devices Seizure?
“Whilst some individuals were consciously purchasing illegal medicines, more than thousands of victims were inadvertently putting their health and possibly their lives at risk.”
In all, with the support of the Pharmaceutical Security Institute, the United Nations Office on Drugs, and Europol, the operation led to the breakdown of approximately 9 million medical devices and illegal pharmaceuticals, consisting as:
- Medical devices (Covid Test kits, masks, syringes, surgical, devices, catheters, etc,)
- Analgesics/Painkillers
- Vitamins
- Anti-cancer medication
- Anabolic steroids
- Antiseptics and germicides
- Antimalarials
- Erectile dysfunction pills
- Hypnotic and sedative medication
Harm Behind illegal Online Pharmacies
The US Federal Trade Commission gives consumers suggestions on avoiding getting scammed while going through for health products and services online.
FTC also explains that “What seems like an online pharmacy could be lead for a scammer or discover thief. The sites may utilize official seeking seals and logos, agreement satisfaction or your money back, and ‘seems’ illegal. All that can be pretend.”
“You could end up with products that are fake, expired, or mislabeled, or products that include harmful components. Or you may pay for a prescription and never get your order – or refund back.”
The FBI also highlights the exposure behind illegal drug marketplaces on its ‘Scams and Safety’ website, stating that online drug promotions and impossible deals are usually signs that the seller is not an approved pharmacy.
FBI states that “Counterfeit prescription drugs are illicit and may be dangerous to your health. They are fake medicines not produced to the pharmacological specifications of the drugs they claim to be.” “Don’t be tricked by fake prescription drugs masquerading as illegal drugs, as using them may harm your health conditions.”
Illegal medicines are harmful because, in addition to being contaminated and probably containing false or inactive ingredients; they could also have the right active ingredient with the wrong dosage.
The FBI administrates various instructions that, when followed, should make it easier to spot illegal online pharmacies:
- Notify your pharmacist or physician if your prescription drug looks suspicious.
- Be attentive that product promotions or cost reductions, and other “special deals” may be combining with counterfeit product promotion.
- Use precautions when purchasing drugs on the Internet. Do not purchase medications from unlicensed online resellers or those who sell medications without any prescription. Distinguished online pharmacies will have a seal of authorization called the Verified Internet Pharmacies will have a given by the Association of Boards of Pharmacy in the United States.
- Discuss with your pharmacist or physician if your prescription drug looks suspicious.
- Be careful of appearance – closely investigate the packaging and lot numbers of prescription medicines and be alert to any changes from one prescription to the next.
In the recent broadcasts, Interpol also seizes $83 million due to online financial crime victims from being transferred to the accounts of their attackers in Operation, as part of the research spanning more than 6 months.
