Medicines worth millions confiscated
Between April and November 2024, law enforcement, judicial, customs, medical and anti-doping authorities from 30 countries carried out the fifth edition of Operation Shield. The aim was to combat the trade in counterfeit and misused medicines and doping substances. Europol coordinated the operation and supported the national authorities with analyses and forensic services, among other things.
According to Europol, goods worth over 11.1 million euros were seized. These included more than 4.6 million tablets and pills, over 426,000 illegal packaging items, and around 175,000 ampoules and vials. In addition, four illegal laboratories were dismantled and 418 people were arrested, charged, or under prosecution. The authorities also investigated 52 criminal groups.
A particular focus was placed on online trade in counterfeit medicines. According to Europol, criminal actors are increasingly using social networks, online marketplaces, and darknet platforms to reach a wide audience. The anonymity that these distribution channels often offer makes it even more difficult to identify the criminals involved.
For Europol, counterfeit medicines not only pose a significant risk to consumer health but can also harm legitimate companies. To raise public awareness of illegal medicines, Europol also works with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
The current Operation Shield V involved, as in previous years, Europol and EUIPO, as well as the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), Frontex, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and various national drug authorities. Authorities from France, Greece, Italy, and Spain were also involved in coordinating the operation.
Source:
Europol, OLAF | Article in co-operation with Anti-Piracy Analyst
