25 million counterfeit pills seized by Interpol

In a global anti-counterfeit drugs operation, Interpol has seized 25 million illegal pills worth $51 million.

The seized counterfeit drugs included painkillers, anti-seizure drugs, erectile dysfunction drugs and nutritional products, 20 minutes quotedThe International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) is headquartered in Lyon (France). Most of these drugs are bought and sold online through illegal websites.

Counterfeit drugs seized in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) in May. Photo: AFP

In a new report,Interpol Director of Investigation Operations Tim Morris tCounterfeit drugs have been and continue to be a major challenge. In particular, over the past 10 years, the problem of counterfeit drugs has escalated due to the impact of the Internet."Criminal groups are taking advantage of the trend of online shopping to make a profit, putting people's lives at risk," said Mr. Morris.

To combat global counterfeit drugs, Interpol launches projectPangea X since 2008. Started with eight countries, nowPangea X expands to 123 countries. As a result, fromSeptember 12-19, Interpol arrested400 individuals,closed 3,584 websites and suspended 3,000 advertisements for counterfeit drugs on the Internet. Besides pharmaceuticals,Pangea Xalso investigate casesillegal trade in medical devices such as dental implants, condoms, syringes and surgical equipment./.

According to VNE