KUALA LUMPUR: Police agencies worldwide have seized an estimated US$65 million (RM305 million) worth of counterfeit or unauthorised medications in a sweeping international crackdown targeting the surge of illicit drugs flooding the internet.

While Australia reported the highest volume of seizures, Malaysia removed the highest number of illicit online listings – 7,000 – followed by Russia, Ireland, Singapore, and Iran. Collectively, this constituted 96 per cent of takedowns.

Between December 2024 and May 2025, authorities in 90 countries – including 26 in Asia – confiscated more than 50 million doses of counterfeit, unapproved, or illegally diverted medications, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) said on Wednesday.

The seizures were part of Operation Pangea XVII, a global campaign coordinated by Interpol to dismantle black market pharmaceutical networks.

The operation led to the arrest of 769 suspects and the dismantling of 123 criminal networks across the globe.

"These seizures and arrests are the largest in the operation's 17-year history," Interpol stated.

Among the most seized product types were nervous system agents, including psychostimulants, anti-anxiety drugs, and medications for Parkinson's disease. Erectile dysfunction drugs ranked second.

Other commonly seized items included anabolic steroids, anti-diabetic medicines, anti-smoking products, dermatological agents, health supplements, herbal products, and psychotherapeutic agents.

Interpol's acting director of Organised and Emerging Crime, David Caunter, warned that fake and unapproved medicines pose a deadly threat and are increasingly spread online by criminal networks.

"Fake and unapproved medications are a serious risk to public health. They can contain dangerous or illegal ingredients, potentially resulting in severe illness or even death.

"The rapid growth of online platforms has made it easier for these unsafe drugs to reach consumers, while offering new opportunities for criminal networks to exploit.