Interpol implemented an operation to seize fake medicine around Asia last September and reported that they were able to confiscate $7 million worth of counterfeits. Medicine encompassing anti-hypertensives, antibiotics, down to anti-rabies vaccines were seized from pharmacies and markets in 13 countries and resulted in the arrest of 87 individuals involved in the organized illegal trade.
According to The Daily Mail, the International Police Organization seized fake medicine across Asia last September in an attempt to curb the production, distribution and sales of counterfeits throughout the region and the world. Through September's operation, the Interpol was able to confiscate $7 million worth of fakes from pharmacies and markets in 13 Asian countries. These medications include anti-hypertensives, antibiotics and even anti-rabies vaccines.
The Interpol reported that they were able to arrest 87 individuals during the raids targeting criminal syndicates and organized black market networks. According to Bangkok Post, the region is known to produces mass quantities of fake pharmaceuticals and law enforcement as well as drug agencies have been working extra hard at containing this.
Aline Plancon of Interpol's Global Health and Safety Unit said, "Operation Storm VI demonstrated the sophistication and determination of criminal groups engaged in pharmaceutical crime, creating dangers to public health and the safety of the population."
According to another article by the Business Insider, the World Health Organization reported that Asian, African and Latin American regions are most susceptible to the trade of fake medicines since their systems of pharmaceutical regulations are weakest.
Countries that participated in the crackdown against these operations included the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, India, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The trade of illegal medicine has plagued the global market for decades. These fake drugs are often sold in poor countries where health care is at its most expensive. Through monitoring done by health organizations and anti-crime agencies around the world, it has been revealed that the sale of fake and substandard medicine has climbed to billions of dollars in recent years.
