Global crackdown: US$65mil in illegal Ozempic, peptides, drugs seized

New Straits Times

7 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Police agencies around the world have seized an estimated US$65 million (RM305 million) worth of fake or unauthorised medications in a sweeping international crackdown targeting the surge of illicit drugs flooding the internet.
Between December and May 2025, authorities in 90 countries — including 26 in Asia — seized more than 50 million doses of counterfeit, unapproved, or illegally diverted medications, International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) said Wednesday, as part of a sweeping global crackdown on black market pharmaceuticals.
The operation was coordinated by Interpol, which led the global effort to target the illicit drug trade.
Interpol said Operation Pangea XVII led to the arrest of 769 suspects and the dismantling of 123 criminal networks across the globe.
"The seizures and arrests are the largest in the operation's 17-year history," it said.
Nervous system agents, including psychostimulants, anti-anxiety drugs, and medications for Parkinson's disease, topped the list as the most seized product type, with erectile dysfunction medicines the second highest.
Other commonly seized product types include anabolic steroids, anti-diabetic medicines, anti-smoking products, dermatological agents, health supplements, herbal products and psychotherapeutic agents.
Interpol's acting director of Organised and Emerging Crime, David Caunter, warned that fake and unapproved medicines pose a deadly threat and are increasingly spread online by criminal networks.
"Fake and unapproved medications are a serious risk to public health. They can include dangerous or illegal ingredients potentially resulting in severe illness, or even death.
"The rapid growth of online platforms has made it easier for these unsafe drugs to reach people as well as opening new opportunities for criminal networks to exploit.
"Working together through Operation Pangea, countries are taking action to protect people's health and keep healthcare systems safe."
The operation highlighted a growing demand for anti-diabetic drugs and peptide supplements, fuelled by rising self-medication and online promotion.
Criminal networks are exploiting social media and digital marketplaces to sell low-quality or counterfeit products, drawn by high profits and relatively low risk.
Authorities reported a surge in illicit anti-diabetic medicines — particularly semaglutide — across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America, with some pens fetching hundreds of US dollars on the black market.
The seizures support recent warnings from the World Health Organization and national health agencies about the rising dangers of GLP-1-related injectable drugs.
Operation Pangea XVII also uncovered surging demand for unapproved peptide supplements like BPC-157, ipamorelin, and melanotan — especially in wealthier countries — despite health risks and limited clinical testing.
Law enforcement agencies across the globe launched 1,728 investigations and executed 847 search warrants targeting criminal networks involved in the illegal distribution of pharmaceuticals.
Nearly 93 per cent of the seized medicines lacked approval from national health authorities, with many found to be counterfeit, substandard or falsified.
Australia reported the largest volume of seizures, primarily involving psychostimulants like modafinil, followed by anti-smoking products and erectile dysfunction drugs.
Professor Tony Lawler, head of Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), said the agency helped seize over 5.2 million units of unlawfully imported therapeutic goods, including substandard and falsified products.
Malaysia removed the highest number of illicit online listings — 7,000 — followed by Russia, Ireland, Singapore and Iran, collectively accounting for 96 per cent of takedowns.
Additional major seizures were reported in Canada, Portugal, Sweden, and the United States, with some countries uncovering trafficking networks in prisons and courier hubs.
Operation Pangea is an annual Interpol crackdown on illegal online drug sales. The 17th edition ran for six months, replacing the usual one-week effort to better disrupt criminal networks.