Health Canada has issued a stark warning to Canadians regarding the dangers of buying drugs and health products online. This urgent advisory follows a massive international operation, coordinated by Interpol, resulting in the interception of over 19,000 packages of counterfeit medications destined for Canada.

The June 25th warning coincides with Interpol’s announcement of Operation Pangea XVII, a five-month operation spanning 90 countries. This unprecedented operation boasts staggering results: the seizure of a record-breaking 50.4 million doses of illicit pharmaceuticals (valued at over $88 million) and the arrest of 769 suspects – the largest number in Interpol’s history.

Interpol’s press release further details the dismantling of 123 criminal groups involved in the illegal distribution of counterfeit drugs. Health Canada emphasizes the serious health risks associated with purchasing unregulated medications online, urging Canadians to only obtain medications from legitimate sources.

The scale of this operation highlights the significant threat posed by counterfeit pharmaceuticals. Canadians are encouraged to be vigilant and report any suspicious online pharmacies to the appropriate authorities.