Customs officers destroy tonne of fake-brand medicines
The proliferation of counterfeit drugs on the global market and easy availability via online pharmacies is an increasing problem. The makers of counterfeit drugs have enjoyed and profited from loopholes in a system designed to deliver healthy medicines to those in need. The rising cost of prescription medications and the ubiquitous presence of online and overseas pharmacies means more people than ever are threatened by these counterfeiting operations.Counterfeit brand cigarettes, clothes and CDs are not the only items being targetted by Czech customs: more and more counterfeit medicines are a growing risk. On Tuesday, customs officers destroyed a tonne of counterfeit medicines in Kralupy nad Vlatvou, north of Prague - products intended for the Czech market. Officials, using X-rays to monitor incoming packages uncovered what was estimated as a million pills and tablets, most often sent from China, India or Hong Kong. Products included fake medicines such as Viagra and Cialis, normally only available at pharmacies on the basis of a doctor’s prescription. But while patients unwilling to consult their doctor or hoping to pay less may think they’re getting a good deal by buying over the internet, specialists say “far from it”.
Jan Velinger
02 July 2008