Interpol's Operation Pangea XVIII, conducted from May 4 to May 11, 2026, targeted the illegal online sale of counterfeit and unlicensed medicines across 90 countries, including Benin. The operation involved police, customs, and health authorities coordinating to dismantle criminal networks.
According to Interpol, the operation led to the seizure of over 10 million potentially dangerous medicines, including antibiotics, painkillers, and lifestyle drugs. Authorities arrested more than 200 individuals and shut down approximately 3,000 websites involved in the illicit trade.
In Benin, officials reported the seizure of counterfeit antimalarial drugs and antibiotics, highlighting the risk to public health in regions with limited access to regulated medicines. The operation also targeted social media platforms where sellers advertised fake products.
Interpol emphasized that the trade in fake medicines is a global threat, with profits often funding organized crime. The organization urged the public to buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies and to report suspicious online sellers.
