A massive campaign by EU customs officials has resulted in the seizure of over 34 million fake medication pills over the last two months. The campaign, named Medi-Fake, targeted over 27 countries in the first action co-ordinated across the 27 EU member states. After two months of work, customs officials are extremely pleased with the results, which have far exceeded their expectations.
The campaign began after a new framework for risk management was adopted by the EU customs committee in 2006. This was designed to better share information on potential customs risks. The committee met to agree on key areas of risks and high-profile drugs that would be subject to improved controls.
The haul saw large amounts of erectile-dysfunction medication being seized, as well as the largest capture of illegal medication ever in Europe, £2.1m worth of fake drugs at Brussels airport. Other illegal medication discovered included cancer drugs, anti-maleria tablets and cholesterol-lowering pills. Belgium and the UK conducted particularly successful campaigns.