SINGAPORE – A massive international crackdown coordinated by INTERPOL has led to the seizure of 50.4 million doses of illegal and counterfeit pharmaceuticals worth USD 65 million, exposing the vast scale of the global fake medicine trade.
Dubbed Operation Pangea XVII, the operation ran from December 2024 to May 2025 and involved law enforcement from 90 countries. The results mark the largest haul in the initiative’s 17-year history, with 769 individuals arrested and 123 criminal networks dismantled.
Among the most seized products were nervous system agents, such as psychostimulants, anti-anxiety medications, and Parkinson’s drugs. Erectile dysfunction drugs were the second most seized, followed by anabolic steroids, anti-diabetic medications, anti-smoking products, herbal supplements, and peptide-based compounds.
“Fake and unapproved medications are a serious risk to public health,” said David Caunter, INTERPOL’s Director pro tempore of Organized and Emerging Crime. “They can contain dangerous or illegal ingredients that may cause severe illness or even death.”
🌍 Alarming Global Trends
The operation revealed worrying trends in self-medication, particularly in the demand for anti-diabetic drugs like semaglutide, often used off-label for weight loss. Authorities noted growing availability through online marketplaces and social media, which criminal groups exploit to sell unapproved or fake products at high profits.
Additionally, seizures of peptide supplements—such as BPC-157, ipamorelin, and melanotan—increased significantly. These are marketed for cosmetic or performance benefits but remain unapproved in most countries due to safety concerns.
🔬 Public Health Risks
According to INTERPOL, 93% of the seized products lacked any form of regulatory approval, while the remaining 7% were confirmed as counterfeit, diverted, or misbranded. Health experts warn these substances may contain substandard or falsified ingredients, posing serious health risks.
🌐 Global Enforcement Highlights
Australia recorded the largest national seizure, intercepting over 5.2 million units of illegal products including modafinil, armodafinil, and anti-smoking pouches, according to Professor Tony Lawler, head of Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Mexico seized 27,000 clonazepam and 20,000 alprazolam tablets at a courier hub in Tijuana.
In Portugal, authorities discovered anabolic steroids in eight prisons, exposing a smuggling network targeting correctional facilities.
In Burkina Faso, 816,000 tablets—mainly analgesics and anti-inflammatories—were found hidden in vehicles.
🛑 Online Crackdown
Operation Pangea XVII also dismantled the digital infrastructure supporting the trade. Over 13,000 websites, social media pages, and bots linked to illegal pharmaceutical sales were shut down.
Malaysia led the digital takedowns with over 7,000 listings removed, followed by Russia, Ireland, Singapore, and Iran—collectively responsible for 96% of the total removals.
The operation confirms growing global health threats linked to fake pharmaceuticals, and the increasing intersection of crime, online platforms, and public health.