INTERPOL reports results of global operation targeting illicit medicines

Article summary

INTERPOL has reported that operation Pangea XVI, which ran from 3 to 10 October 2023, has led to 72 arrests worldwide, the seizure of pharmaceuticals worth more than US$7m, 325 new investigations and the closure of more than 1,300 criminal websites. The operation targeted counterfeit medicines, and medicines that diverted from legal and regulated supply chains. The operation took place across 89 countries, including the UK and was supported by Europol, the World Customs Organisation, the World Health Organisation, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the International Narcotics Control Board, national health regulatory agencies and the Pharmaceutical Security Institute.