The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has facilitated the seizure of millions of counterfeit and illegal therapeutic goods as part of INTERPOL's Operation Pangea XVII, a global initiative targeting the illegal trade of therapeutic goods.
Australia recorded the largest seizures globally, with psychostimulants such as modafinil and armodafinil being the most common category seized nationally. These were followed by nicotine pouches and erectile dysfunction medicines.
Professor Anthony Lawler, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and head of the TGA, said "During this operation, the TGA assessed over 9,500 imports referred by the Australian Border Force and facilitated the seizure of over 5.2 million units of unlawfully imported therapeutic goods, including substandard and falsified products.
"Buying medicines online from overseas may seem like a convenient or affordable option, but it can result in the consumer receiving counterfeit or substandard products that are ineffective or harmful. These products may contain the wrong dose of active ingredient, toxic contaminants or undisclosed dangerous or illegal ingredients.
"Since 2008, INTERPOL's Operation Pangea has coordinated global efforts to detect and seize illicit and counterfeit therapeutic goods and disrupt the criminal networks involved in their distribution.
"The TGA works closely with international partners to share intelligence and resources to combat the global trade in illicit and counterfeit therapeutic goods that put lives at risk.
"This cooperation has played a significant role in disrupting the supply of dangerous medicines from entering Australia and cutting off profits from this illegal trade."
A significant portion of the seized goods were erectile dysfunction (ED) medications, including fake Viagra and Cialis. Other ED products contained undeclared prescription substances like sildenafil and tadalafil. These substances are prescription-only medicines in Australia, and importing or supplying them without disclosure is illegal.
Other counterfeit products reported or seized during the operation included:
- semaglutide products, such as Ozempic pens and Rybelsus tablets
- cosmetic injectables, such as Botox vials
- Laroscorbine polynucleotides ampoules
- ivermectin tablets.
While consumers can import small quantities of unregistered medicines for personal use under certain conditions, most therapeutic goods must be included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) before they can be lawfully imported, advertised and/or supplied in Australia.
Consumers should be aware that unregistered medicines and medical devices may be counterfeit and pose significant health risks.
Those who unlawfully import these products risk financial penalties, seizure of goods, and legal action.
