79 websites have been blocked in an international operation against pharmaceutical crime, particularly online, which has led to 5 arrests, 126 complaints and thousands of medicines seized for a value of around 9 million euros.
The NAS Carabinieri have concluded the "SHIELD IV" operation to combat pharmaceutical crime.
The operation developed between April and November 2023 under the direction of EUROPOL and with the participation of the Carabinieri Health Protection Command.
Medicines and performance-enhancing drugs, supplements and products of various kinds also connected to the treatment of COVID-19 were seized.
The NAS Carabinieri conducted 133 inspections and judicial police activities, with the initiation of 82 judicial and administrative proceedings, which led to the execution of a total of 5 arrests and 126 referrals to the competent judicial authorities.
Over 130,000 packages and approximately 310,000 units in various pharmaceutical forms were seized, containing active ingredients with various therapeutic indications, mainly attributable to anabolics, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, erectile dysfunction and boasting properties for the treatment of COVID-19.
2 clandestine laboratories identified and seized in which 400 kg of anabolic substances and active ingredients, 20 kg of drug precursors and doping substances, 300 kg of excipients related to the production of anabolic drugs were seized.
The commercial value of all seizures reaches the figure of approximately 9 million euros.
28 countries (19 EU member states and 9 third countries) joined the operation, with the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) offering support financial, Frontex, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the World Customs Organization.
Particular attention was paid to the cyber patrolling of the online market, which, as is well known, represents an exponentially growing phenomenon favored by the anonymity of the network and by the opportunities for speculation offered by the regulatory differentials in the sector legislations of the various countries.
Finally, as regards the health of professional and amateur athletes, 783 athletes were tested (758 on the sidelines of competitions and 25 outside competitions), 79 of which tested positive.
The activity was conducted in collaboration with NADO-ITALIA, the national body responsible for the adoption of anti-doping sports regulations.
Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA