BBC News NI
BBCCounterfeit and illicit medicines, with a street value of about £1.1m, have been seized during a major operation targeting criminal gangs.
The drugs, which were destined for Northern Ireland, were recovered over a five month period from December 2024 to May 2025.
More than 846,000 tablets were seized including diazepam which is used to treat anxiety, pregabalin which is used to medicate epilepsy and anxiety, steroids, botox and weight loss products.
The major crackdown is part of Operation Pangea, an international initiative led by Interpol.
Keeping money away from gangs
Justice Minister Naomi Long said the operation was removing cash from the pockets of organised crime gangs.
“This is an initiative led globally by Interpol, which aims to combat the illegal online trade in counterfeit and unlicensed medicines and health products,” she added.
“Operation Pangea doesn’t just disrupt criminal activity, it also gives us a platform to raise awareness about the dangers of purchasing medicines online which can often be unregulated, counterfeit and potentially deadly.
“We need to recognise this is just one part of a much larger ongoing effort.”
PA MediaPolice Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)’s Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said the destruction and devastation caused by illicit pharmaceuticals “must not be underestimated”.
“I want to send a very clear message to those involved in the supply of counterfeit prescription drugs that we will do everything in our power to disrupt their activities as part of our sustained drive against drugs and criminality.”
‘Unregulated and counterfeit drugs’
The Health Minister Mike Nesbitt warned the drugs were “unregulated, substandard and counterfeit.”
“What concerns me is the damage that could do to individuals who were taking those, either in good faith or because they are being forced into it,” he added.
“These organised crime groups are only interested in themselves and the damage they are doing to individuals, and the pressure that is putting on the health and social care system, is something that we have to deal with.”
