More than two million doses of illicit medicines with an estimated street value of £4.6 million have been seized at the UK border as part of Operation Pangea XVIII, the world's largest coordinated initiative targeting the illegal online medicines trade.
The operation ran for 14 days between 10 and 23 March 2026, and involved joint working between the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), UK Border Force, and law enforcement partners across approximately 90 countries and territories.
Key Points at a Glance
- Over two million doses of illicit medicines seized in 14 days
- Estimated value of seized medicines: £4.6 million
- Operation ran from 10 to 23 March 2026
- More than half of seized medicines were controlled drugs
- Most commonly intercepted products were linked to sedation, pain relief, and erectile dysfunction
- The MHRA also targeted websites, social media accounts, and online marketplace listings as part of the operation
- Operation coordinated by INTERPOL across approximately 90 countries
More than half of the medicines intercepted during the operation were classified as controlled drugs in the UK, with the remainder falling under the category of prescription only medicines. The products most commonly seized were associated with sedation, pain relief, and treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Medicines purchased from unregulated sources carry serious risks. They may contain incorrect dosages, harmful ingredients, or no active ingredient at all. In some cases, fake medicines have been found to contain substances that can cause life threatening harm. Controlled drugs obtained outside the regulated supply chain pose particular dangers, both for the individual and for public safety more broadly.
Online Supply Routes Also Targeted
Alongside the physical seizures at the UK border, the MHRA's Criminal Enforcement Unit conducted parallel action to disrupt the online distribution of illicit medicines. This included targeting a wide network of websites, social media accounts and posts, and listings on online marketplaces.
The digital dimension of the operation reflects the extent to which the illegal medicines trade has moved online. Criminal networks exploit the reach of social media and e-commerce platforms to advertise and sell unauthorised products to consumers who may not be aware of the risks.
What Officials Said
Andy Morling, MHRA Head of the Criminal Enforcement Unit, said: "The scale of seizures in this year's operation underlines the persistent demand for medicines outside the regulated supply chain. Organised criminal groups are exploiting that demand and putting people's health at serious risk. This year's operation also highlights the continued commitment of the MHRA and its international partners to disrupt the criminal networks behind this highly dangerous global trade. We will continue to take decisive action to protect the public and ensure that medicines available in the UK meet our strict standards for safety, quality and effectiveness."
Ian Kibblewhite, Border Force Postal Lead, said: "Fake and unauthorised medicines can be incredibly dangerous. Sometimes life threatening. By taking millions of doses off our streets, we are disrupting organised crime and protecting the public. We will continue to work closely with the MHRA and law enforcement partners to crack down on this illicit trade and secure our borders."
About Operation Pangea
Operation Pangea is an annual global initiative coordinated by INTERPOL, bringing together police forces, customs agencies, health regulators, and private sector partners from around the world. Its aim is to protect public health by disrupting the criminal networks behind the illegal online sale and distribution of unlicensed and counterfeit medicines and medical devices.
The operation is now in its eighteenth year, reflecting the scale and persistence of the illegal medicines trade as a global public health challenge.
A Note for Consumers
The government and MHRA advise the public to only purchase medicines from regulated and legitimate suppliers, such as registered pharmacies. Be cautious of websites or social media posts offering medicines without a prescription, or at unusually low prices. Taking medicines from unregulated sources can lead to serious harm.
How to Report a Suspected Fake Medicine or Side Effect
If you believe you have purchased a fake, unlicensed, or counterfeit medicine, or if you have experienced a suspected side effect from any medicine, there are two ways to report it.
Report via the Yellow Card Scheme
The MHRA runs the Yellow Card scheme, which allows anyone to report a suspected problem with a medicine, vaccine, medical device, blood product, or e-cigarette. Reports can be made by members of the public, patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.
You can report through the Yellow Card website or by downloading the MHRA Yellow Card app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
If you are unsure whether a side effect is serious, speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before reporting, or call NHS 111 if you need immediate advice.
Use the FakeMeds Campaign
The MHRA also runs the #FakeMeds campaign, which provides practical guidance to anyone considering buying medicines online. The campaign offers tools to help you identify whether a website is legitimate, check if a pharmacy is registered, and understand what to look out for when purchasing medicines or medical devices online.
In Great Britain, registered online pharmacies can be verified through the General Pharmaceutical Council's website. The FakeMeds campaign links directly to these verification tools.
If you suspect a website is selling fake or unauthorised medicines, you can report it through the MHRA's reporting channels linked from the FakeMeds campaign site.