The RCMP, in cooperation with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), joined efforts again this year with INTERPOL to participate in the fifth edition of Operation Pangea. The global operation spanning 100 countries aims to disrupt the organized crime networks behind the illicit online sale of medicines. It has resulted in several ongoing investigations and the seizure of 3.75 million units of potentially life-threatening medicines worldwide, at a value of 10.5 million USD.
“The RCMP recognizes that fighting this type of crime requires an international effort. We strongly support INTERPOL and work hand in hand with our partners in Canada and abroad in bringing global attention to the dangers of online sales of counterfeit and illicit medicines," said RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson.
Operation Pangea V, which involved police, border security and national regulatory authorities is the largest Internet-based action of its kind. The operation targets the international black market of fake and illicit medicines, where dealers often pose as legitimate internet pharmacies. It also raises public awareness of the significant health risks associated with buying medicines online, and the increased chance of customers becoming victims of identity and credit card fraud.
During Pangea V, which ran from September 25 to October 2, in addition to raids at addresses linked to the illegal internet supply of medicines and interception of hundreds of packages believed to contain fake or illicit drugs, online payment providers supported Pangea by identifying and blocking illicit websites posing as legitimate Internet pharmacies, identifying individuals responsible for sending spam emails and identifying abuse of electronic payment systems.
Organized crime affects all Canadians in some way. New trends will always continue to surface as long as there’s money to be made from the activity. The RCMP is committed to fighting organized crime in all its forms, to the full extent of the law. The operation was an opportunity for the RCMP, INTERPOL-Ottawa, the CBSA and other Canadian partners to take part in a world-wide effort that has become vital in the fight against organized crime, an international problem which cannot be fought solely within our borders.
“The CBSA is a proud participant in Operation Pangea, playing a key enforcement role in each of Canada’s three international mail processing centres,” said Denis Vinette, the Director General of CBSA Border Operations. “The interception of dangerous goods by our officers plays an integral part in keeping our communities safe, and we remain vigilant in our efforts to ensure that only legitimate goods enter Canada, including through the mail stream.”
In Canada, 3799 packages were inspected by regulators and border services officers, of which 2185 were seized and 138,077 illicit and fake pills worth $1,015,797 CAD originating from 18 countries were confiscated. Among the counterfeit and illicit medicines were anti-depressants, sedatives, prescription weight loss products, heart medications, hormone replacement therapies and erectile dysfunction drugs. There are several ongoing investigations relating to the importation and distribution of counterfeit and illicit medicines. Additionally, approximately 4000 websites identified as being engaged in illegal activity were linked to Canada and are being examined.
This global operation demonstrates the importance of tackling the root causes of crime through prevention and education. The RCMP and its partners continue to engage the public in keeping our communities safe. To this end, the RCMP and the CBSA held various outreach activities across the country. Canadians are encouraged to choose legitimate pharmacies when purchasing medicines, and to share any information on illicit activity with the RCMP in their respective region.
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For more information:
RCMP Media Relations
Tel.: 613-843-5999
CBSA
613-957-6500 or 1-877-761-5945
questions@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
