Operation Pangea began in 2006 as part of the UK’s MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) crackdown on websites offering drugs illegally.
Since then, the Operation has grown to include a number of regulators and border agencies and this sixth effort – which ran from June 18 to 25 - has seen the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) seize and shut down 1,677 illegal online pharmacies.
“This is an ongoing battle in the United States and abroad, and the FDA will continue its criminal law enforcement and regulatory efforts,” said Director of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, John Roth.
Internationally, Operation Pangea formed part of the 6th annual International Internet Week of Action (IIWA) with action taken against over 9,600 websites. This included the issuance of regulatory warnings and the seizure of over $41m (€31m) of illegal medicines.
Last year’s effort – which saw the cooperation of over 100 countries – led to the confiscation of $10.5m worth of drugs and the closure of approximately 18,000 websites.