Millions of ilegal medicines stopped by "MEDI-FAKE" EU customs action

The European Commission has announced the results of the "MEDI-FAKE" action, which targeted customs control on illegal medicines entering the European Union. On the basis of a risk profile disseminated by the Commission, customs from the 27 member states put special focus over a two-month period on coordinated action to stop illegal medicines from entering the EU. Among the products which were intercepted were antibiotics, anti-cancer, anti-malaria and anti-cholesterol drugs, as well as painkillers, Viagra (sildenafil) and drug precursors.

Laszlo Kovacs, Commissioner for Taxation and Customs, said: "in a two month period, Customs seized more than 34 million illegal pills, far exceeding expectations. This success shows the value of the new Community approach to risk management. It multiplies the effectiveness of customs controls, thereby better protecting citizens and legitimate business from new and increasing security and safety threats. Cooperation between customs and legitimate business proved vital."

Community risk profile applied throughout EU