Key Summary
- Codenamed Operation Pangea XVIII, the raids were carried out from 10 to 23 March.
- Along with MHRA, UK Border Force, and partners around the world took part in the raid.
- Over half of the medicines seized were controlled drugs.
In a drive against the illegal medicines trade, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), UK Border Force, and partners around the world have seized over two million doses of illicit medicines, worth £4.6 million, at the UK border.
Codenamed Operation Pangea XVIII, it was carried out between 10 and 23 March, and over half of the medicines seized were controlled drugs, with the remainder classified as prescription-only medicines in the UK.
Operation Pangea is a global initiative coordinated by Interpol that targets the illegal online sale and distribution of unlicenced and counterfeit medicines and medical devices.
It involves police, customs, health regulators, and private sector partners across approximately 90 countries.
The operation aims to protect public health by disrupting criminal networks and raising awareness of the dangers of buying medicines from unregulated sources.
Along with the seizures at the UK border, the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit also took action to disrupt online supply routes, targeting a wide network of websites, social media accounts and posts, as well as listings on online marketplaces.
MHRA's Criminal Enforcement Unit head Andy Morling, said, “The scale of seizures in this year’s operation underlines the persistent demand for medicines outside the regulated supply chain.
“Organised criminal groups are exploiting that demand and putting people’s health at serious risk.
“This year’s operation also highlights the continued commitment of the MHRA and its international partners to disrupt the criminal networks behind this highly dangerous global trade.
“We will continue to take decisive action to protect the public and ensure that medicines available in the UK meet our strict standards for safety, quality and effectiveness.”
Border Force Postal Lead Ian Kibblewhite said, “Fake and unauthorised medicines can be incredibly dangerous. Sometimes life-threatening.
“By taking millions of doses off our streets, we are disrupting organised crime and protecting the public.
“We will continue to work closely with the MHRA and law enforcement partners to crack down on this illicit trade and secure our borders.”
The MHRA has advised people to buy medicines only from regulated and legitimate suppliers, such as registered pharmacies, and to be cautious of websites or social media posts offering medicines without a prescription or at unusually low prices. Taking such medicines can lead to serious harm, it added.
