The Black Market for Medications Remains Available in Latvia 0 8

Illegal products pose a serious risk to the health and even lives of people. Most often, counterfeit medications are offered in little-known online stores, social media, and sometimes in retail outlets that are not pharmacies.

The turnover of the illegal medication market in Europe is measured in millions. Last summer, the State Police detained eight individuals in connection with the illegal distribution of medications, who were acting as part of an organized group. The police received information about the illegal distribution of medications, including various substances from the group of anabolic steroids, which are listed as prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

During the investigation, it was established that the medications were sold illegally, and their origin and storage conditions could not be traced. To sell the drugs, these individuals created an online store and also distributed medications through acquaintances. Medications of unknown origin were stored in several warehouses in the center of Riga, in the Latgale suburb, and in Purvciems, as well as at the residences of the suspects and in their vehicles.

The dismantling of this criminal group is an important result for Latvia, but just a drop in the ocean compared to what is happening on a European scale. Europol states that crimes in the pharmaceutical sector are becoming a serious threat to public health and the economy. As noted by the head of the pharmaceutical department of the Health Inspectorate, Rihards Burmistris, counterfeit medications can contain anything. For example, in African countries, a children's cough syrup was distributed that contained diethylene glycol - a toxic solvent used in industry.

Medications of dubious origin are not just a cheaper substitute for original drugs, but a direct threat to the health and lives of people.