INCB Warns of Counterfeit Medicines Flooding Markets
VIENNA, March 1, 2007-The Vienna-based International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) today warned that the flood of counterfeit medicines now available in many countries could have fatal consequences for consumers. In its Annual Report released today (1 March 2007), the Board also called on member States to enforce legislation to ensure that narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are not illegally manufactured or diverted from licitmanufacture and distribution channels to unregulated markets.
The danger of unregulated markets is the theme of chapter one of the Annual Report. The Board is calling for it to be addressed on a priority basis. The existence of unregulated markets means that substandard, and sometimes even lethal medication is sold to the unsuspecting consumer. Unregulated markets are often supplied with stolen and diverted drugs, illicitly manufactured pharmaceuticals or through illegal sales on the Internet and distributed through the mail and courier services.
1 March 2007