The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has led Australia's participation in INTERPOL's Operation Pangea XVIII - external site (the operation), a coordinated global action targeting the illegal trade of illicit and counterfeit therapeutic goods.
During the fortnight of action, authorities across 90 countries cooperated to detect and seize an estimated 5.97 million units of unapproved and counterfeit pharmaceuticals worth $20.7 million.
The operation led to over 260 arrests and the dismantling of more than 60 criminal groups involved in the illicit pharmaceutical trade.
Globally, approximately 5,700 websites, social media pages, channels, and other forms of online content advertising and selling these products were shut down or removed. In Australia, advertisements for weight loss medications, therapeutic goods used in cosmetic procedures, and other medical devices were removed, in line with our 2026 and 2027 compliance principles and priority focus areas.
Professor Anthony Lawler, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and Head of the TGA, said "This operation demonstrates the scale of the global trade in unlawful therapeutic goods and the very real risks they pose to consumers.
"By working closely with international partners and Australian enforcement agencies, we are preventing illegal and dangerous products from entering Australia and protecting the health and safety of the community."
During the operation the TGA worked closely with the Australian Border Force, which refers imports suspected of containing unlawful therapeutic goods to the TGA for assessment. Where products are found to be illegal imports, appropriate compliance action is taken and the goods are destroyed.
Domestically, the operation resulted in the seizure of over 900,000 units of unlawfully imported therapeutic goods.
A high proportion of the goods seized were melatonin products, which are generally prescription-only medicines in Australia with limited exceptions.
Melatonin products purchased overseas have been found to contain amounts of melatonin that are significantly higher or lower than the dose stated on the label, including some with no melatonin at all. These inconsistencies can pose serious health risks, particularly when used without medical supervision.
Other unlawfully imported products seized included nicotine pouches, weight loss products, erectile dysfunction medicines, complementary medicines including vitamins and supplements, and various wellness, cosmetic and performance‑enhancing products.
Counterfeit products reported or seized during the operation included ivermectin tablets (such as Iverheal-12 and Iverguard-12, erectile dysfunction medications, botulinum toxin and semaglutide products.
While the Personal Importation Scheme allows consumers to import unapproved therapeutic goods for personal use under certain circumstances, 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. Products not included in the ARTG may not meet Australian standards for safety, quality and effectiveness.
Consumers are urged to exercise caution and consider the risks when purchasing medicines online, particularly from overseas or unknown websites. Unregistered products, especially those sold online without requiring a doctor's prescription, pose significant risks and may expose consumers to unpredictable or severe adverse reactions.
Those who unlawfully import therapeutic goods risk financial penalties, seizure of goods, and legal action.
