Europol’s Operation SHIELD has charged 1 284 individuals between April and October 2023 in the fight against illicit medicines and doping substances.
Medicine Operation Shield
Now in its fourth year, the operation brings law enforcement together with judicial, customs, medicines and anti-doping authorities from 30 countries across three continents in a global effort against the trafficking of counterfeit and misused medicines and illicit doping substances.
The operation was also supported by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), Frontex, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and national medicines agencies.
Results of Operation SHIELD IV
During the seven-month operation, 1 284 individuals were charged, with 296 arrests and 988 under prosecution. In addition, the operation has led to investigations into 52 organised crime groups.
Operation shield has also made total seizures worth above 64 million EUR, including:
- 636 263 illegal packages of illegal pharmaceuticals
- 69 255 kilograms of powders and raw material
- 11 551 litres of active ingredients
- 121 503 vials and ampoules
- over 12 million tablets and pills.
The operation also resulted in the dismantling of four underground labs, the shutdown of 92 websites, 3 935 inspections, 4 321 anti-doping “in competition” controls and 3 659 anti-doping “out competition” controls.
Illegal operations taken down
Greek authorities dismantled a criminal network which had been trafficking in unauthorised pharmaceuticals and medical devices since 2019. The products included counterfeit Botox and vitamin acid preparations used in cosmetic surgery.
The Italian authorities searched the logistical base of a criminal group operating from San Marino. Police seized vast quantities of doping substances in the form of vials, tablets, capsules, bottles and packaging, all intended for sale in Italy as well as around 180 000 EUR in cash.
The risk of unregulated substances
The trafficking of pharmaceuticals is a growing issue in the European Union and beyond. The investigations under SHIELD IV have highlighted a pattern of largescale trafficking. Such operations are highly lucrative for organised crime, which in turn encourages more criminal groups to enter the trade. This type of criminal activity causes significant damage to the health and social care systems of EU Member States and has an alarming impact on public health.
Illegal vendors continue to advertise doping substances on social media, mostly targeting non-professional athletes and members of restricted or private sports groups. In addition to performance-enhancing products, erectile dysfunction drugs are offered online via dubious channels and remain among the most common counterfeit products seized by law enforcement. Unregulated use of medicines and doping substances, especially of counterfeit products, can cause serious and irreversible bodily harm.