MORE than $2 million-worth of illegally imported medicines and therapeutic goods have been intercepted by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as part of a week-long international campaign.
In a statement issued this morning the TGA reported that more than 840,000 units of unlawfully imported products were seized by authorities in Australia, of which 7% was counterfeit, as part of InterPol's Operation Pangea.
"This represents a significant disruption of dangerous medicines from entering our community," the regulator said.
"During a week of action, 94 countries representing every continent cooperated to detect and seize a combined US$11 million in illicit and counterfeit therapeutic goods globally.
"Nearly half of the packages inspected were found to contain illicit or counterfeit medicines and products including anabolic steroids, antibiotics, COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, cosmetic injectables, erectile dysfunction medicines, herbal and sports supplements, ivermectin, nicotine vaping products, pain killers and sedatives.
"This operation serves as a reminder that therapeutic goods must be entered in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods before they can be lawfully imported, advertised and/or supplied in Australia unless an exemption applies.
"Unregistered medicines and medical devices are often not assessed for quality, safety or efficacy and could be counterfeit, posing a risk to consumers."
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