Operation Pangea XVII, now in its 17th edition, has been launched to combat the illicit trade of medications, which poses significant consumer safety threats and funds organized crime.

During this operation, approximately 30,000 units of illegal medications were seized globally, with erectile dysfunction drugs being the most prevalent type.

The operation resulted in the confiscation of 50.4 million doses of illegal medications worldwide, valued at 65 million dollars, and led to the arrest of 769 suspects while dismantling 123 criminal groups.

In Portugal, authorities inspected 675 packages, seizing 146 due to suspicions of falsification and illegal circulation, with inspections conducted at Lisbon and Porto airports.

Prosecuting those who market these illegal medications remains challenging under current Portuguese law, which requires proof of concrete danger to life for legal action.

Manuela Manta from the Tax Authority noted a rise in online purchases of illegal medications post-pandemic, reflecting a growing trend among consumers.

The operation received support from various international organizations, including Europol and the World Health Organization, highlighting its extensive global impact.

The Pangea operation aims to disrupt the trade of illicit medications, which not only threaten consumer safety but also support organized crime networks.

The collaboration among the National Authority of Medicines and Health Products (Infarmed), the Tax and Customs Authority, and the Judicial Police has been crucial in enforcing existing laws against counterfeit medications.

João Faria from Interpol highlighted the existence of identified networks of suppliers in Portugal and abroad, emphasizing the need for further investigation into these connections.

Portugal has been a party to the MEDICRIME Convention since 2011 and is working on introducing specific legislation targeting the counterfeiting of medications.

Ana Rita Martins from Infarmed explained that the screening process for seizures is based on suspicions of medication falsification.