MHRA Cracks Down on Fake Covid Gear and Dodgy Medicines
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) joined a massive global crackdown on illegal online sales of medicines and medical devices. Scammers are cashing in on the Covid-19 panic, pushing fake face masks and bogus antiviral drugs to desperate buyers.
Operation Pangea XIII Uncovers Shocking Fake Covid Products
From March 3 to 10, police, customs, and health regulators in 90 countries teamed up for Operation Pangea XIII. They targeted illicit online sales of medical goods worldwide. The sting pulled down tens of thousands of unlicensed and counterfeit items marketed as “corona spray,” “coronavirus medicines,” and “coronavirus packages.”
Globally, over 2,000 fake Covid ads were nabbed, and more than 34,000 fake products seized. Thankfully, none of these dodgy items were found crossing UK borders this time. But MHRA warned the fight goes on to stop organised crime flooding the UK with unsafe meds and devices.
UK Seizes 871,000 Fake Meds Worth £2.6 Million
Here at home, MHRA and UK Border Force smashed the illegal market, confiscating nearly 872,000 doses of unlicensed medicines valued at £2.6 million. The enforcement team took down 294 rogue websites and removed over 1,000 illegal adverts on social media.
Seven search warrants led to two arrests. Crooks were caught selling fake anti-anxiety drugs, sedatives, weight loss pills, antidepressants, erectile dysfunction meds, painkillers, and anabolic steroids.
MHRA Warns: Fake Meds Put Your Health at Serious Risk
“Criminals selling medicines illegally don’t care about your health,” said Mark Jackson, Head of Enforcement at MHRA. “They exploit public health crises like Covid-19 for profit. Taking fake or unlicensed meds can cause serious harm.”
Jackson stressed the MHRA’s commitment to fighting this global crime alongside UK Border Force and international partners. The ongoing #FakeMeds campaign urges UK buyers to stay safe by trusting only legitimate online pharmacies.
Stay Safe: Don’t Risk Buying Medicines Illegally
- Beware websites selling prescription meds without prescriptions – they break the law and endanger lives.
- Never self-diagnose or self-medicate. Always consult a GP first.
- Use the MHRA’s #FakeMeds website for tools to spot legitimate online sellers.
- Report suspicious meds or side effects to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme immediately.
Don’t gamble with your health. Stick to trusted sources and avoid becoming a victim of fake medical products.
