During checks on postal and courier shipments, customs seized 665 shipments of illegal medicines. The drugs were touted on the internet to treat COVID-19. The packs contain a total of more than 55,000 user units (tablets, capsules, ointment, vials).
The checks were part of an international campaign in the past three months. Customs found mainly Ivermectin during this action. In addition, antibiotics and antimalarial drugs were also intercepted. Ivermectin is a medicine that is mainly used for animals against mange and various helminthic infections.
Risks
The control of illegal medicines is an integral part of intensive customs controls. Customs works closely with the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ). According to the Inspectorate, there are risks to ordering prescription medicines from rogue sellers on the internet. Chief Inspector IGJ Roderick Runne: “These medicines can contain dangerous contaminants or the wrong dosage of the active ingredient. Also, a doctor has no insight into the risks of use, for example in combination with other medicines or side effects.”
Illegal Drugs
The seizure of the illegal medicines was part of an international action, organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The aim is to stop illegal medicines related to the COVID-19 pandemic and potentially posing a threat to consumer health and safety.
The drugs intercepted by customs came mainly from India, Hong Kong and Singapore. They were all intended for private individuals. Importing medicines is only allowed with a permit. No illegal COVID-19 vaccines were found.
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