CSN News: The threat of pharmacrime is growing in Europe

The European Union (EU), which is under increasing threat of pharmaceutical crime as criminal networks take advantage of legal loopholes and supply chain vulnerabilities to distribute fake and substandard medicines, are facing an increased threat.

Europol has released a new report (‘The threat of pharmaceutical crime in the EU and beyond’) The report sheds a light on the explosive growth of the illicit pharmaceutical industry. It poses serious risks to the public’s health and threatens to undermine pharmaceutical research. In addition, it causes substantial financial losses for healthcare systems, pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.

Counterfeit pharmaceuticals

Europol reports that high demand, lucrative profit margins, and limited enforcement capability are the driving forces behind the trade in fake and inadequate medications. Criminal groups target a range of drugs, including:

• Synthetic opioids and painkillers
• Diabetes treatment
• Antiviral drugs and anticancer drugs
• Erectile dysfunction medicines
• Doping substances
• Antihistamines (anti-anxiety), anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), and hypnotics

Criminals employ a variety of tactics to penetrate the legitimate supply chain. This includes the production of counterfeit drugs in illegal laboratories across the EU. The dark web and social media allow anonymous transactions. When the drugs are delivered, they’re often wrapped up in fake packaging to make them seem genuine.

Europol warns social commerce is a major tool in illicit pharmaceutical sales. Influencers are promoting counterfeit products, whether they know it or not.

Some cases have found legitimate businesses like pharmacies and transport companies as well as medical professionals assisting these criminal activities.

Pharmaceutical crime: law enforcement and prosecution

Criminals continue to profit from pharmaceutical crime despite regular crackdowns. Europol actively works to disrupt supply chain, seize counterfeit drugs, and arrest people involved in illegal drug networks. In 2023, Europol coordinated Operation SHIELD – a global operation that resulted in the demise of several organised crime groups engaged in counterfeit medicine trafficking.

The fact that large quantities of false drugs continue to reach the public is a reminder of the urgent need for more enforcement, better regulation and increased public awareness.

Europol recommends that all EU citizens take extra care when buying medications online, and especially in person. Europol recommends that:

• You should only buy medicines from authorised pharmacies.
• Avoid “too-good-to be true” offers on weight loss and health products.
• Verifying the authenticity and safety of medications using the EU Falsified Medicines Directive System.
• Reporting suspected medicines or sellers to the local authorities.

Spain has one the largest pharmaceutical market in the world. In 2023, police in Madrid seized 40,000 pharmaceutical and cosmetic items that were illegally sold.