TGA online drug crackdown
November 11, 2011
A JOINT operation between The
Australian Customs and Border
Protection Service and the
Therapeutic Goods Administration
into the online supply of illegal and
counterfeit medicines has resulted
in a significant number of seizures,
investigations and arrests.
The international ‘Week of
Action’ took place between 20-27
September and saw 80 countries
crack down on illegal and
counterfeit online drug sales.
Locally the operation resulted in
the physical examination of
approximately 71 international
parcels, resulting in 20 seizures
and 36 detentions for TGA
determinations; and more than
70,000 pills, tubes, vials and
sachets being held or seized; and .
The majority of drugs seized
were slimming and diet
supplements and erectile
dysfunction medication, however
there were also large quantities of
antibiotics, steroids and so-called
‘legal highs’ held as well.
“The Australian public needs to
be aware of the potential dangers
associated with purchasing
medications online,” said Acting
Customs and Border Protection
National Director Trade and
Compliance, Sharon Nyakuengama.
“While the internet can offer
consumers a convenient way to
access approved therapeutic
goods, they need to be careful that
they are not inadvertently
breaking the law, wasting their
money or damaging their health,”
Nyakuengama added.
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