The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Food and Drug Analyst Department joined 191 anti-counterfeit watchdog agencies in 100 countries in ‘Operation Pangea V’, which targeted the online sale of counterfeit and illegal medicines.
In a press release, the GRA said as a result of this global initiative 18,041 websites were shut down, 106 persons were investigated and 79 persons arrested in one week of operation over the internet. A total of 3,758,393 units of drugs valued US$10,500,000 were seized. Of the 37 public awareness campaigns conducted, Guyana’s efforts produced five.
Operation Pangea V was undertaken in support of the International Medical Products Anti-Counterfeiting Taskforce and involved police, customs and national regulatory agencies with support from internet service providers, payment systems providers and delivery services. “Its aim was to disrupt the online criminal networks and activities connected with the selling of fake medicines online, such as credit card fraud; and to raise public awareness of the health risks linked to purchasing medicines online,” the GRA said.
Operation Pangea V’s International Internet Week of Action (IIWA), which ran from September 25 to October 4, targeted websites supplying illegal and dangerous medicines.
Guyana’s participation focused on public awareness using the print and electronic media. Sensitization visits were also conducted at various wharves targeting customs officers and importers.
Additionally, the IIWA aimed at protecting the public’s health by increasing public awareness about the dangers and risks associated with purchasing medicines and medical devices online.
Other objectives included identifying the producers and distributors of counterfeit or otherwise illegal pharmaceutical products or medical devices, targeting these individuals or businesses with civil or criminal action and seizing counterfeit and illegal products and removing them from the supply chain.
