BiH included in Interpol operation to combat illegal online drug sales

From September 12-19, 2017, an operational action codenamed “PANGEA X” was carried out in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The operational action aimed to intensify activities in the fight against the illegal sale of medicines via the internet and sales in other locations suspected of being used for the illegal sale of unapproved and counterfeit medicines and medical devices, the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of BiH announced.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to preliminary results, undeclared goods (Medical implant - manufactured in Switzerland) in a total quantity of 30 packages, infusion sets (manufactured in Ireland) in a quantity of 270 pieces, as well as the preparation ”Kamagra a 100 mg” (Sildenafil), preparations for weight loss, medicines for the treatment of the digestive system and metabolism, erectile dysfunction pills, hair loss preparations, and supplements, valued at approximately US$10,000, were found and seized. These preparations most commonly originate from China, India, Serbia, Turkey, and Belgium.

The implementation of the "PANGEA" operation achieved certain goals, particularly in sensitizing the public regarding the problem of selling illegal medicines and medical devices via the internet, and improving cooperation between law enforcement agencies dealing with this issue. 

As the "PANGEA X" operational action was carried out at the initiative of the Interpol General Secretariat, it was implemented in 123 Interpol member countries, resulting in the seizure of 25 million counterfeit and illegal medicines and medical devices, the opening of over 1,058 investigations, the closure of more than 3,584 online sales websites, and the arrest of approximately 400 individuals worldwide.

In addition to the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of BiH, which served as the coordinator and contact point for the operational action, the following participated in the action: the Prosecutor's Office of BiH, the State Investigation and Protection Agency, the Border Police of BiH, the Indirect Taxation Authority of BiH, the Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices of BiH, the Anti-Doping Agency of BiH, the Federal Administration for Inspection Affairs, the Inspectorate of Republika Srpska, the Inspectorate of the Government of Brčko District, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of RS, the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs of BiH, the Police of Brčko District BiH, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Canton 10 Livno, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tuzla Canton, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Central Bosnia Canton, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Bos Podrinje Canton, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Posavina Canton-Orašje, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Zenica-Doboj Canton, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Police Administration-Sarajevo, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Una-Sana Canton, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of West Herzegovina Canton.