Over 400 arrests! Europol investigators bust drug counterfeiters

By Annette Birschel

The Hague (Netherlands) - According to information from Europol, international investigators have arrested 418 suspects in a joint operation against the trade in counterfeit and banned medicines.

The seized drugs have an estimated value of more than eleven million euros.
The seized drugs have an estimated value of more than eleven million euros.  © Screenshot Europol

More than 400,000 packages, millions of pills and ampoules containing illegal pharmaceutical products or doping agents were confiscated, Europol announced in The Hague. The seized goods had a value of more than eleven million euros.

The operation ran from April to November 2024 in 30 countries. It was led by French, Greek, Italian and Spanish authorities and coordinated by Europol.

Counterfeit medicines and the trade in illegal doping products are a growing threat in the EU, warned the European police authority. The spread of counterfeit preparations is damaging health and safety.

The regular producers would make billions in losses.

Counterfeit medicines are traded on social media

During the searches, the investigators found various preparations such as painkillers, cancer drugs, doping substances and hormones.
During the searches, the investigators found various preparations such as painkillers, cancer drugs, doping substances and hormones.  © Screenshot Europol

According to information from Europol, organized crime is behind the trade and production of counterfeit pharmaceutical products. Gangs would label preparations with false labels or copy expensive drugs. Stolen medicines are also traded.

52 criminal networks were reportedly investigated during the operation. The goods were mainly offered for sale on social media and online. The sellers usually remain anonymous, making them difficult to track down.

Europol warns consumers against buying and taking such illegal preparations. They could be very dangerous to health. Investigators discovered a wide range of medicines such as painkillers, cancer drugs, doping substances, hormones and psychotropic drugs.

These were often products that were takenas party drugs, for weight loss, performance enhancement or cosmetic purposes.