From Dec. 16, 2024, until May 16, 2025, Interpol led an operation across 90 countries, Operation Pangea XVII, that resulted in the seizure of 50.4 million doses of illicit pharmaceuticals worth more than $88 million, with 769 suspects arrested and 123 criminal groups dismantled worldwide, the largest seizures and arrests in the organization’s history.

“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,” said David Caunter, director pro tempore of organized and emerging crime at Interpol.

In Canada’s case, Health Canada inspected 19,193 packages coming into the country, stopping 7,096 from entering and seizing another 539 at the border suspected of containing counterfeit or otherwise unauthorized health products worth an estimated $378,000.

About 69 per cent of the seized products were sexual enhancement medications, and another 10 per cent were supplements, including herbal and dietary forms.

About four per cent were veterinary and antiparasitic drugs, two per cent were hormones, two per cent were antibiotics and one per cent were weight loss drugs.

Health Canada issues Interpol operation alert over fake drugs sold online

Health Canada is advising Canadians to be careful about buying health products on the internet and to ensure the online stores they buy from are safe to purchase from.

^{Sean Previl (Global News)}