News Coverage

The Partnership for Safe Medicines has been publishing information about the counterfeit drug problem around the world for more than a decade. With experts leading the organization and a committed and passionate set of writers and editors, our content is more in-depth than many other sources, which simply copy links to the news from other websites.

a cardboard box and tote bag full of glass vials

March 18, 2024: A counterfeiting ring in Delhi sold fake cancer drugs to U.S. buyers

March 18, 2024

The Indian press reported that a Delhi-based ring sold fake cancer medicines in the U.S., China, and India. U.S. embassies and consulates in Mexico warned spring break travelers about counterfeit medicine. More domestic and international news about counterfeit medicines.

map of colorado with pill bottle displaying a maple leaf label. The label peels back to show a poison symbol

March 4, 2024: Colorado submits a sharply limited drug importation proposal to the FDA

March 4, 2024

Colorado’s amended importation plan cuts prospective drugs by 78%. FDA Commissioner Califf warned about counterfeit medicines. A British couple who allegedly provided U.S. clinics they owned with illegally imported cancer medicines is facing extradition. Counterfeit medicine in Canada, Mexico and elsewhere.

Image of Canadian flag dissolving into pills over a gray map of the USA

Colorado updates drug importation proposal, cuts list of meds by 88, adds Ozempic

February 27, 2024

Colorado’s updated Canadian drug importation application to the FDA cuts the drug list from 112 to 24 and adds Ozempic to the list of medicines it wants from Canadians.

DEA tells e-commerce companies they have compliance obligations for pill press sales on their platforms.

February 27, 2024

The DEA put all e-commerce platforms on notice of their obligations whenever they facilitate transactions involving pill presses.

February 26, 2024: Safe Chain Solutions settles HIV drug diversion lawsuit with Gilead Sciences

February 26, 2024

A Maryland drug distributor lost $2.7 million in a settlement over selling secondhand medicine to U.S. pharmacies. Additional news in Alabama, California, New Jersey, Tennessee and more.

Screenshot of a website selling semaglutide

February 20, 2024: FDA warns companies selling unapproved semaglutide and tirzepatide

February 20, 2024

Companies in New York and Florida were selling unapproved GLP-1 agonists. Operation Shield IV removed $69 million in illicit medicine and doping substances from European markets. A California man who distributed smuggled tianeptine received a two-year sentence.

PSM Advisory Board approves policy resolution on reimbursement practices and supply chain safety

February 16, 2024

PSM opposes the practice of reimbursing pharmacies below the cost of acquisition of medicine and supports efforts to reform reimbursement systems that eliminate this market dynamic that threatens the safety of our drug supply.

A syringe full of pellets in front of a foil package with a label

February 12, 2024: Massachusetts doc who implanted patients with unapproved, imported medicine loses at trial

February 12, 2024

The government won prosecutions in Massachusetts and New Hampshire against defendants selling non-FDA approved drugs. A family warns about tianeptine. Pill presses in Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

PSM applauds NNOAC statement of concern about Canadian drug importation

February 6, 2024

“We are deeply concerned about the impact importation of unapproved foreign prescription drugs will have on counterfeit medication in the United States, especially as FDA considers approving additional SIPs.”

white and red bodied pill press on a wooden base on the floor

February 5, 2024: eBay pays $59mm to settle federal pill press charges

February 5, 2024

DoJ alleged that eBay did not keep and submit required records to the DEA. Snap’s CEO spoke in support of the Cooper Davis Act. The FDA warned about copycat eye drops. Additional domestic and international news about fake and substandard medicine.

Are below cost reimbursement practices by Pharmacy Benefit Managers creating opportunity for criminals to enter the legitimate supply chain?

February 5, 2024

PBMs, by under reimbursing pharmacies, are creating a demand for pharmacies to seek lower priced medications even when they can’t exist at that price.. Criminals appear to be happy to become part of the supply chain.

Has any state tried Canadian drug importation? How did it work for them?

February 2, 2024

The state of Maine opened it’s border to Canadian drug importation program for Maine residents. Dr. Kenneth McCall purchased and tested some of the medicines being advertised and sold to Maine residents and found them lacking in safety. Listen to his story.

The threat and enforcement challenges of counterfeit medicines

February 2, 2024

PSM’s Shabbir Imber Safdar sat down with three law enforcement experts about the problems they are seeing with counterfeit medicine. Watch here.

Explainer: eBay and the Department of Justice settle over pill press sales

February 1, 2024

An explainer for the $59mm settlement between eBay and the Department of Justice over pill press sales. What does this mean for the problem of illegal pill presses? How is eBay responsible for what a buyer and a seller do on its platform?

Are Canadian patients struggling with drug shortages already?

January 30, 2024

PSM’s Shabbir Imber Safdar speaks to Canadian patient advocate Durhane Wong-Rieger about the drug shortage situation in Canada.

Map of Texas with prescription pill bottle to the left. The bottle a label with a maple leaf that's peeling away to reveal a skull and crossbones.

What medicines do U.S. states want to import from Canada’s drug supply?

January 30, 2024

What drugs have states said they plan to export from Canada’s drug supply? We combed all their applications to the FDA and compiled that list into one document.

Flyer for Naloxone Hill Day 2024

January 29, 2024: Family advocates distribute lifesaving medicine at Naloxone Hill Day in Washington DC

January 29, 2024

Family advocates Andrea Thomas and Amy Neville will distribute naloxone at the Dirksen Senate Office Building. The VA will use the NABP’s digital DSCSA platform to help with compliance. Guilty pleas for dark web drug trafficking and manufacturing fake oxycodone, and more.

The Partnership for Safe Medicines supports S. 2943, the SHOP SAFE Act

January 24, 2024

On January 17, 2024 PSM wrote the Senate Subcommittee on Intellectual Property to endorse S.2934, which would expand the Trademark Act of 1946 to extend liability for selling harmful counterfeits to online platforms. Read the letter here.

A seizure photo with guns stacked on bags of orange pills. A plastic ACE hardware branded bucket is in the left backgound

January 21, 2024: U.S. Adderall shortages continue to fuel a black market in fake pills

January 22, 2024

Tests of the counterfeits showed that they were made of many substances, including ​​acetaminophen, duloxetine, caffeine and methamphetamine. Overseas, authorities seized counterfeit pregabalin in Belfast. Pakistan recalled toxic cough syrup. Fake Xanax trafficker Ryan Farace got an additional sentence for money laundering. News about pill presses in five states.

NEW FOIA materials: Contracts with vendors for Florida’s and Colorado’s importation programs

January 17, 2024

PSM recently published contracts, some obtained via FOIA, with key vendors implementing Colorado’s and Florida’s Canadian drug importation plan. Read them here.

Florida’s October 20, 2023 Section 804 Proposal for the Importation of Prescription Drugs from Canada

January 10, 2024

Florida’s October 20, 2023 SIP application is the second to last application before FDA approval. The final application was filed on November 16, 2023.

Picture of a large pill press on a blue tarp. A caption reads "A commercial pill press capable of churning out 17,000 fentanyl pills an hour."

January 8, 2024: DHS reports a surge in pill press seizures

January 8, 2024

Homeland Security seized over 1,800 pill presses in October and November 2023. The FDA warned Amazon not to sell supplements made with undeclared pharmaceuticals and issued another warning about toxic yellow oleander. More domestic and international news about counterfeit medicine.

Partnership for Safe Medicines Condemns the Weakening of the U.S. Drug Supply through Canadian Drug Importation + Full coverage of decision

January 5, 2024

PSM’s statement on the FDA decision and full coverage including media stories, official documents, and statements from stakeholders.

Counterfeit and authentic Ozempic needs

FDA warns consumers not to use counterfeit Ozempic (semaglutide) found in U.S. drug supply chain

December 22, 2023

FDA continues to investigate counterfeit Ozempic (semaglutide) injection 1 milligram (mg) in the legitimate U.S. drug supply chain and has seized thousands of units of the product. FDA is aware of five adverse events from this lot.

Notoginseng Formula Special Gout Granule

FDA Alert: Ginseng Compound Recalled for Containing Undeclared Drug Ingredients

December 19, 2023

This is a reprint of an FDA Alert. 8th Avenue Pharmacy Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Notoginseng Formula Special Gout Granule Due to the Presence of Hidden Drug Ingredients, Diclofenac and Dexamethasone When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company’s announcement as a public service. FDA does…

Cover of U.S. Senate Committee report: The Silent Epidemic: Fentanyl And Older Americans

December 18, 2023: U.S. seniors are also dying from fentanyl, says Senate report

December 18, 2023

Overdose deaths among Americans 65 and older quadrupled over the last 20 years. A Brooklyn man pleaded guilty to selling second hand HIV drugs to local pharmacies. The FDA explained “What You Should Know about Eye Drops.” More domestic and global news about counterfeits.

closeup of a hand holding lighter fluid

December 11, 2023: Criminals exploit American patients and professionals with black market medicine schemes

December 11, 2023

A CNBC story covered details about Lazaro Hernandez’s $230 million HIV drug diversion scheme. A recent survey showed that Americans don’t understand online pharmacy safety. More news about counterfeit medicines across the globe.

A closeup of brightly colored supplement bottles with "Neptune's Fix" labels

December 4, 2023: Unregulated “gas station” supplements continue to endanger Americans

December 4, 2023

Neptune’s Fix tianeptine products have caused fainting and seizures. A study in California found unlisted Viagra or Cialis in 67% of over-the-counter sexual performance supplements. Additional news about fake oxycodone in Mexican pharmacies and other counterfeit medicines in the U.S. and overseas.

Health Canada shares resources about fake online pharmacies

November 29, 2023

It isn’t just U.S. regulators that warn against ordering medicines from unlicensed pharmacies. Canadian regulators have the same concerns about the safety of unapproved medical products.

November 27, 2023: Canadian gangs export fentanyl, says RCMP

November 27, 2023

Canadian criminal gangs have sold illicit fentanyl in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Costa Rica shut down a domestic fentanyl pill operation. More news in the Kenya, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and the U.K.

November 20, 2023: China takes steps to disrupt pill press and precursor exports

November 20, 2023

China agreed to cooperate with the U.S. in stopping pill press and precursor sales. An Indian company launched a U.S. recall of contaminated eye drops. Counterfeit medicine news overseas and in the U.S.

Map of Florida with a pill bottle displaying a maple leaf. As it peels away, the label shows a poison symbol

PSM files a supplement to citizen petition opposing Florida’s importation proposal

November 15, 2023

In September, the Partnership for Safe Medicines and others filed a supplement to our 2021 Citizen’s Petition asking the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services not to authorize Florida’s Canadian Drug Importation Plan.

November 13, 2023: FDA reporting system shows American injuries from fake Ozempic

November 13, 2023

As of September 2023, at least 3 Americans have been hospitalized because of fake semaglutide products. The Treasury Department sanctioned more people and businesses it says are trafficking fentanyl into the U.S. More news in the EU, Nigeria and three U.S. states.

Cooper Davis Act (S.1080) to have minimal fiscal impact.

November 13, 2023

For those following the Cooper Davis Act (S.1080) which would require social media platforms to report drug dealing when they discover it, the Congressional Budget Office has analyzed the legislation and said it will “not significantly increase net direct spending” and “not increase on-budget deficits”.

Large orange carts filled with seized items

November 6, 2023: Operation Pangea XVI intercepts $7mm in illicit medicines

November 6, 2023

Interpol announced the results of Operation Pangea and U.S. CBP reported on pill press seizures.  News about counterfeit medicine in the U.S, Belgium, China, and Indonesia,

A gloved hand holding container of eye drops above a child's eye

October 30, 2023: More contaminated eye drops found on retail shelves

October 30, 2023

FDA warned about contamination in 26 different over-the-counter eye drops. Ten New York residents were indicted in another black market HIV medicine scheme. Additional stories in California, Florida, and Texas.

FDA Alert: Pain Relief Dietary Supplements Recalled Due to Presence of Diclofenac

October 26, 2023

Risk Statement: Consumption of undeclared diclofenac could result in serious adverse events that include cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, and anaphylaxis in patients taking concomitant NSAIDs and/or anticoagulants, such as Warfarin, in those who have allergies to diclofenac, or those with underlying cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic illnesses.

Map of Florida with a pill bottle displaying a maple leaf. As it peels away, the label shows a poison symbol

Decision on Florida’s importation program delayed

October 24, 2023

A delay in Florida’s response to FDA questions means the agency’s decision won’t be by October 31 after all.

Google search results for retatrutide

October 23, 2023: Even drugs in development are at risk for counterfeiting

October 23, 2023

Sketchy online vendors are selling “retatrutide” even though it’s still in clinical trials. A man who sold U.S. pharmacies secondhand prescription medicines was sentenced. Domestic and international stories about fake drugs.

a comparison of real and fake Ozempic pens sold in Germany.

October 16, 2023: More fake Ozempic appears in the EU

October 16, 2023

Almost 200 packages of fake Ozempic traveled from Austria to the U.K. via Germany. An 11th man was sentenced in a $52mm cough medicine counterfeiting scheme. Europol reports the seizure of medical products. Additional news about pill presses in Mexico and the U.S.

Label for a barrel of sodium chlorite powder with warning labels advising the product was toxic.

October 9, 2023: Florida conmen who sold industrial bleach as a COVID cure sentenced to federal prison

October 9, 2023

The leaders of the “Genesis II Church of Health and Healing” received a cumulative 34 years in prison. A NYC pharmacist pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering after selling black market HIV drugs. Pill press operations busted in NYC and Rhode Island.

October 2, 2023: After deaths overseas, the FDA is working to protect Americans from toxic cough syrup.

October 2, 2023

The FDA is cracking down on lax safety testing of raw drug ingredients. Major players in HIV drug and cough syrup counterfeiting schemes pleaded guilty in federal court.

Counterfeit Avastin in Pakistan blinded over 70 retinopathy patients.

CBP at JFK Airport intercepted 14 pairs of pill press dies. Additional news about illicit pill presses in five states.

PSM Executive Director to Speak at USPTO Roundtable on Counterfeits

September 20, 2023

Shabbir Imber Safdar, executive director of the Partnership for Safe Medicines, will participate in the upcoming United States Patent and Trademark Office Roundtable: Future strategies in anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy.

September 18, 2023: USFDA concerned that eight companies, including two pharmacies, are illegally marketing unapproved ophthalmic drug products

September 18, 2023

USFDA is concerned that eight companies, including two pharmacies, are illegally marketing unapproved ophthalmic drug products that pose a heightened risk to users. Counterfeit pills make the DHS’ threat assessment list for 2024.

PSM and ADAP Advocacy call for more awareness about counterfeit medicines

September 15, 2023

Data recently shared in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report highlights a growing problem: Counterfeit pill availability is rising in the drug supply chain, but also the illicit drug market.

Teach Your Community With These Conference Slides

September 13, 2023

Running slides between conference sessions and during breaks is a great way to fit in a little extra information. Use these slides to teach your community about counterfeit medicines in the U.S.

September 11, 2023: Global fake medicine trade’s scope revealed by incidents in U.K., India, Turkey and elsewhere

September 11, 2023

A U.K. couple was sentenced for selling 65 different brands of unapproved medicines. Counterfeit therapeutic medicines reported in India, Turkey and Pakistan. News about counterfeit pills made of dangerous substances in 13 states

narcan nasal spray

September 5, 2023: U.S. fake pill deaths more than doubled from July 2019 to December 2021

September 5, 2023

CDC data shows an alarming climb in pill deaths, particularly in western states. Narcan, which reverses opioid overdoses, is now available over-the-counter. Fake medicine seized in Las Vegas. News involving counterfeit pills in 17 states.

Map of Florida with a pill bottle displaying a maple leaf. As it peels away, the label shows a poison symbol

August 28, 2023: Florida officials asked to address “deficiencies” in their Canadian drug importation proposal

August 28, 2023

The FDA asked Florida to clarify its drug importation plan. More contaminated eye drops in the U.S. Fake medicine, including a cancer treatment, in Mexico. U.S. patients treated with illegally imported Botox and lip filler. News about counterfeit pills made with fentanyl in 18 states.

PSM submits comment on USPTO anti-counterfeiting initiative

August 23, 2023

On August 3, the Partnership for Safe Medicines submitted comment on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Future Strategies in Anticounterfeiting and Antipiracy.

CDC branded poster that says Fentanyl is commonly mixed with other drugs and made into pills.

August 21, 2023: National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day 2023; an FDA warning about toxic supplements.

August 21, 2023

Poisonous “Nuez de la India” made with yellow oleander. More about black market weight loss medicine. Federal authorities arrested a fugitive for selling fake COVID preventatives. News about counterfeit pills in 24 states.

FDA should grant pharmacists access to drug pedigrees until full DSCSA launch

August 18, 2023

On August 16, 2023 Executive Director Shabbir Safdar asked senior FDA officials to require wholesalers to provide pharmacists with complete transaction logs for every medicine they dispense until the track-and-trace system is fully online.

Lavender injection pen labelled liragluted

August 14, 2023: Woman reports temporary paralysis from a fake weight loss injection.

August 15, 2023

Hospitals are being impacted by drug shortages. More U.S. sanctions against Sinaloa Cartel members. Uzbeki courts pursue the fake cough syrup supply chain. News about counterfeit pills in 15 states.

August 7, 2023: Federal Judge Awards $18 Million in Fake Surgical Tape Case

August 7, 2023

A lawsuit over fake Surgicel hemostat concluded. New research spotlights fraud in sports supplements. A recently jailed cough syrup counterfeiter also settled allegations of violating the Controlled Substances Act. Fake medicines reported in Canada, Egypt, India, and Mexico.

July 31, 2023: Men sentenced for selling Americans fentanyl and fentanyl pills from a Canadian prison

July 31, 2023

Federal judges sentenced two men who ran a fentanyl ring from a Canadian prison, a pharmaceutical exec who trafficked fake cough syrup, and a black market drug trafficker. Additional stories about counterfeit pills and related casualties in 21 states.

July 24, 2023: Another “Operation Denial” defendant sentenced. Counterfeit scorpion antivenom warning issued in Mexico.

July 24, 2023

Pill presses prohibited in Washington state. WHO issued an alert about counterfeit cough syrup. Jury convicted four in Florida who peddled bogus COVID-19 cure. Prosecutions in 11 states involved the trafficking of counterfeit pills and related deaths.

July 17, 2023: The Cooper Davis Act heads out of committee

July 17, 2023

Legislation moves forward in the Senate for social media platforms to report dealers to the DEA. A Shanghai resident sentenced for selling counterfeit cat medicine. Missouri resident sentenced for injecting clients with non-FDA-approved Botox and fillers, hurting multiple people. Stories of counterfeit pills in 17 states.

A photo of a boy--Cooper Davis--smiling while a dog nuzzles him with a black caption that reads Forever 16 and a title - Senate Tackles Online Drug Dealers

Cooper Davis Act (S.1080) passes out of Senate Judiciary committee, headed to Senate floor

July 16, 2023

S.1080, which requires big tech platforms to report drug dealers they discover to the DEA, passed out of the Judiciary committee and is headed to the Senate floor.

July 10, 2023: Federal operation seized unapproved medicines and medical devices at international mail facilities

July 10, 2023

Global coalition launched to combat synthetic drugs. One-third of packages examined in Operation Broader Sword contained unapproved medicines, medical devices, or precursor chemicals. Prosecutions in seven states involved the trafficking of fentanyl pills and related deaths.

July 5, 2023: Federal authorities move on black market HIV drug sales

July 5, 2023

The FDA warned Safe Chain Solutions for trading with unlicensed sellers. Other black market HIV drug cases are moving forward. The CDC reported a spike in fentanyl/xylazine deaths. Authorities seized a pill press, smuggled codeine and millions of counterfeit pills made of fentanyl. Prosecutions involved the trafficking of and deaths related to fentanyl pills in 10 states.

PSM board president, pharmacist explains why foreign drug importation can’t deliver.

July 5, 2023

In this editorial, which appeared in the Corpus Christi Caller on June 30, 2023, Doctor of Pharmacy Kenneth McCall shares his negative experience with imported medicines.

FDA Alert: Suprimo Imports Warned by FDA After Reports of Illness and Death Due to Prescription Drug Ingredients in Their Dietary Supplements.

June 27, 2023

“On April 20, 2022, FDA warned consumers not to purchase or use “Artri Ajo King” as FDA has received adverse event reports, including of liver toxicity and death, associated with the use of “Artri Ajo King” and similarly named products. While the Agency has not sampled and tested this product from your inventory to date, be advised of our serious concern about the safety of these products and that it is your legal responsibility under federal law to ensure this product does not contain any undeclared and potentially harmful ingredients.”

pictures of real and fake Ozempic pen

June 26, 2023: Fake Ozempic pen in U.S. pharmacy actually contained insulin, says Novo Nordisk

June 26, 2023

Fake Ozempic has been found in the U.S. The leader of an HIV drug counterfeiting ring got 15 years. The Justice Department indicted Chinese companies and arrested two executives who allegedly sold fentanyl precursors into the U.S. Tainted cough syrup reached at least 12 countries. Stories about counterfeit pills in 20 states.

Images of real and fake Ozempic cartons

Counterfeit Ozempic found in the U.S.

June 21, 2023

On June 16, 2023 Novo Nordisk warned that a fake version of the diabetes drug Ozempic had been found in the U.S. The injection pen, which contained insulin instead of semaglutide, was reportedly purchased at a retail pharmacy. It’s one of a flurry of incidents involving Ozempic and its sister drugs.

red and blue ads for commonly prescription drugs displayed at a Mexican pharmacy

June 20, 2023: L.A. Times reporters found counterfeit pills in pharmacies all across Mexico, not just at the border

June 20, 2023

More than 50% of the pills investigators bought in Mexican pharmacies were fake–and many contained illicit drugs. COFEPRIS warned about fake immunosuppressants and anemia drugs. A drug dealer who targeted Carrollton, Texas teens pleaded guilty. More news about pills seizures and prosecutions in 20 states.

the first page of the sentencing memo in USA v Lindsay Marie Clark and Lindsay Clark MD Medical Corporation

The best sentencing memo we’ve ever seen

June 14, 2023

When medical licensing boards take up cases of misconduct, they face some real challenges because criminal cases resolved without trials may leave almost no public evidence. Documenting evidence of wrongdoing in sentencing memorandums helps licensing boards, and also patient victims, to see the full scope of a case.

June 12, 2023: FDA reports show the agency working hard to secure our drug supply.

June 12, 2023

The FDA increased facility inspections 44% in 2022 and prevented 222 drug shortages. Men in Colorado and Virginia were sentenced for distributing unapproved prescription drugs. News about drug seizures and prosecutions trafficking counterfeit pills in 22 states.

Video thumbnail: Doctor Dealt Deadly Diet Pills

June 5, 2023: NJ Doctor who Sold an Industrial Chemical as a Weight Loss Drug Sentenced.

June 5, 2023

William Merlino, whose weight loss products killed a U.K. man, will serve almost 3 years in prison. The U.S. imposed sanctions on pill press makers in China and New Mexico. Regulators found more fake semaglutide—this time in Australia. Prosecutions and pill and pill press seizures in 24 states.

map of the US in pink, with a handful of states in cream

May 30, 2023: North Carolina raises penalties for making counterfeit controlled pills.

May 30, 2023

North Carolina made using a pill press to make counterfeit controlled pills a felony. Black market and fake medicines were reported in Canada and Mexico. More news involved counterfeit or illegally imported pills in 22 states.

Map of Texas with prescription pill bottle to the left. The bottle a label with a maple leaf that's peeling away to reveal a skull and crossbones.

Texas State Senate Passes Dangerous Foreign Drug Importation Program

May 23, 2023

With the passage of HB 25 in the Texas State Senate and Governor Abbott’s impending signature, Texas is poised to become the seventh state in the U.S. to attempt to create a program to import medicine from Canada. This policy has failed in six other states, cost taxpayers millions of dollars, and drawn opposition from the Canadian government.

May 22, 2023: Dangerous Eye Drops – FDA Warns about Unapproved Amniotic Fluid Eye Drops and Health Canada Seizes Unapproved Eye Drops

May 22, 2023

Grieving families continue to mourn the ones they lost to dubious and counterfeit medicine. Three men were convicted of manufacturing and selling counterfeit pills in the U.K. Additional news involving counterfeit pills made with fentanyl in twenty states.

A woman in a peach colored sweater talking. In front of her stands a picture of a young teenager labeled Alexander Neville, May 4, 2006 -June 23, 2020

May 15, 2023: Families rallied outside Snap HQ to demand accountability for fatal Snapchat pill sales.

May 15, 2023

Families across the country observed Fentanyl Awareness Day. Hidden pharmaceuticals in arthritis “supplements.” Fake medicine in Ireland, India and Australia. Additional news involved counterfeit pills made with fentanyl in 17 states.

FDA Alert: Three Dietary Supplement Consumer Warnings, All Contain Prescription APIs

May 10, 2023

The FDA has issued consumer warnings on three different dietary supplement sold as herbal compounds intended to treat joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and liver detoxification. Each product contains undeclared prescription drug ingredients.

Graph showing distribution of fentanyl trafficking links in investigation

May 7, 2023: Operations Last Mile and SpecTor launch cases against fake pill sellers

May 8, 2023

Federal agencies report the results of Operations Last Mile and SpecTor. Fake medicines in Mexico, Nigeria and the Philippines. Pill press seizures in Texas and West Virginia. News involving counterfeit fentanyl or meth pills in 19 states.

FDA Alert: Dietary Supplement Recalled Due to Presence of Prescription Drug Ingredients

May 2, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 26, 2023– West Sacramento, CA, Gear Isle is voluntarily recalling the following products listed in the table below to the consumer level. FDA analysis has found the products to be tainted with prescription drug ingredients.

FDA Alert: Dietary Supplement For Vision Care Recalled Due to Unapproved and Dangerous Ingredients

May 2, 2023

TruVision Health LLC is recalling the dietary supplement products listed below because they contain the unapproved dietary ingredients hordenine and/or octodrine/DMHA (1,5-Dimethylhexylamine).

A Facebook post offering Saxenda for sale.

May 1, 2023: British Columbia enacts regulations to stop Ozempic exports

May 1, 2023

Canada resists the U.S. pilfering its drug supply. Officials warn about semaglutide sales on social media, a dangerous appetite supplement and black market cosmetic injectables. A California doctor will pay over a million for treating patients with illegally purchased drugs. More reports of tainted cough syrup, and news about fake pills made of fentanyl and other drugs in 20 states.

What Doctors Need to Know About the Secure Drug Supply Chain

April 28, 2023

A new infographic created by the Partnership for Safe Medicines and the American Medical Women’s Association educates healthcare professionals on the importance of only sourcing drugs from within the secure U.S. drug supply chain…

image of a laminated paper with a list of prescription drugs

April 24, 2023: Border pharmacies have been selling counterfeits that kill Americans since 2017, says the L.A. Times

April 25, 2023

This week: A California man is among those killed by counterfeit pills at Mexican pharmacies. A 6th lawsuit was filed over pill dealers on Snapchat. Fake cancer treatments reported in the UAE, Kyrgyzstan and India. A new counterfeit drug bust in the U.K. Additional news involving counterfeit painkillers and fake Adderall in over 20 states.

A medicine bottle with a syringe of pink medicine next to it.

April 18, 2023: Buy safe kids’ medicine, even during shortages

April 18, 2023

Amoxicillin shortages underscore the need to buy from licensed U.S. pharmacies. The Justice Department indicted Sinaloa cartel members. Xylazine mixed with fentanyl is an emergent threat. Another Canadian is being tried for pill trafficking. News about prosecutions, seizures and deaths relating to counterfeit prescription pills in 24 states.

April 10, 2023: Canadian regulators pull a doctor’s license to protect their medical supply

April 11, 2023

A Canadian doctor working in the U.S. will not be allowed to prescribe Canadian drugs. Washington legislators passed a law to regulate misuse of pill presses. Fake Xanax cases conclude in Wisconsin and Virginia. Crackdown on drug counterfeits in India. Mexican regulators warned about more fake drugs. News involving counterfeit pills in 23 states and the U.K..

narcan nasal spray

April 3, 2023: FDA approves over-the-counter Narcan sales

April 3, 2023

The FDA approved over-the-counter Narcan. Congress is crafting legislation to regulate xylazine. A police union executive allegedly imported a fentanyl analogue and prescription pills containing controlled substances. Prosecutions, pill seizures and deaths in 16 U.S. states.

PSM Response To The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Request For Information

March 29, 2023

PSM provided our thoughts to the US Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee when they requested input on the authorization of the Pandemic All Hazards Preparedness Act.

March 27, 2023: DEA Warns Americans About Xylazine

March 28, 2023

The DEA warned about a sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. The U.S. FDA warned to a supplement manufacturer and a website selling ivermectin to stop selling unapproved drugs. A Montana man who hid his pill press operation under a haystack has been sentenced to 16 years in prison. More news in 15 U.S. states.

Take action to get drug sellers off social media: Support the Cooper Davis Act

March 28, 2023

The “Cooper Davis Act” would require social media platforms to report users of social media found to be selling controlled substances on their platforms to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Map of Texas with prescription pill bottle to the left. The bottle a label with a maple leaf that's peeling away to reveal a skull and crossbones.

PSM analysis of Texas legislation HB 25, foreign drug importation

March 22, 2023

H.B. 25 would require Texas’ Health and Human Services Commission to design a program for bulk importing prescription medicines under 21 USC 384 of the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act, more commonly known as a Section 804 State Importation Program (SIP). Below, we outline the many reasons this proposal is unsafe and unworkable.

Ad for a pill press

March 20, 2023: Spanberger and Kustoff reintroduce the CAST Act

March 20, 2023

Federal legislators reintroduced the CAST Act, which would strengthen penalties for using pill presses to make fake medicines. Health Canada warned parents not to buy unapproved cough syrups advertised on Facebook. Mexican soldiers seized almost two million fentanyl pills in Tijuana. News about prosecutions, pill seizures and deaths in 21 U.S. states.

FDA Alert: Nano Silver Dietary Supplement Triggers Recall

March 14, 2023

This recall has been initiated because the Product is labeled as a dietary supplement that, in the opinion of the government, makes unsubstantiated health claims that the product will prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19.

March 13, 2023: Medical device company had doctors implant fake parts into pain patients solely for profit, says DOJ

March 13, 2023

A company is facing charges for medical device fraud. Mexican regulators shut down pharmacies for selling fake prescription pills made with fentanyl, something that has been happening since at least 2019. International news about contaminated cough syrup, and about prosecutions involving counterfeit pills and fake pill seizures in 20 U.S. states.

Two women and a man in a black cowboy hat are seated at a table with a white tablecloth emblazoned with PSM's logo. One of the woman is holding up a news paper.

Watch PSM’s Briefing for the 118th Congress, Washington D.C., February 28, 2023

March 8, 2023

On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, the Partnership for Safe Medicines convened pharmacists, law enforcement, policy experts and family advocates to educate legislators about key issues in the fight against counterfeit medicines. Learn more and watch the briefing here.

two baggies of white pills on a blue surface

March 6, 2023: Oregon man sentenced for three years of selling steroids and fake pills on Facebook

March 7, 2023

PSM’s executive director spoke at Senator Rick Scott’s roundtable. The US FDA acted to restrict the illicit shipment of xylazine. Investigators have traced the deaths of 84 children in Gambia and Uzbekistan to counterfeit cough syrup. 57 people in three states were charged with selling fentanyl pills and other drugs and a doctor was sentenced for faking a stem cell treatment. Additional news about fake pills in 30 states.

A woman and a man sitting at a table with a picture of a teenager between them

PSM’s Shabbir Safdar participates in DC roundtable about the fentanyl crisis

March 1, 2023

Executive Director Shabbir Safdar urged Congress to demand accountability from social media platforms at Senator Scott’s roundtable discussion about the fentanyl crisis.

A bald, besuited man with a striped tie at a podium with a sign that reads The Partnership for Safe Medicines, The 118th Congress Counterfeit Drug Policy Briefing. One of his hands is outstretched.

February 28, 2023: Senator Rick Scott speaks at PSM congressional briefing

February 28, 2023

PSM hosted a congressional briefing keynoted by Senator Rick Scott. The U.S. imposed sanctions against alleged suppliers of precursor chemicals to the Sinaloa Cartel. Deaths, prosecutions and seizures related to fake painkillers, Xanax and Adderall in 21 states. Counterfeit medicine stories in India and Algeria.

screenshot of search box from safe.pharmacy website. Text: Purchase medication from legitimate sites. Verify Before You Buy.

February 21, 2023: FDA urges U.S. residents to buy all prescription medicines from U.S. licensed pharmacies.

February 21, 2023

The FDA reminded U.S. residents that it doesn’t regulate medicine made for other countries. CBP seized tramadol and other prescription drugs. Mexico shut down a fentanyl pill lab, and arrested a man who allegedly controls the cartels’ fake pill trade. Prescription pills made with fentanyl in 19 states.

Counterfeit Adderall Found in Connecticut

February 17, 2023

Connecticut is the 28th state in which PSM has documented the finding of counterfeit Adderall pills…

FDA Alert: Candy Company Recalls Dietary Supplement Containing Prescription Ingredient

February 14, 2023

Risk Statement: PrimeZen Black 6000 capsules containing sildenafil and tadalafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may cause a significant drop in blood pressure that may be life threatening. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates.

February 13, 2023: PSM’s congressional briefing in Washington DC is on 2/28. Register here.

February 13, 2023

Register for PSM’s upcoming congressional briefing in Washington DC. The WHO says contaminated infant cough syrups have killed 300 children. News of deaths, seizures and prosecutions related to fake prescription pills in 20 states and the nation’s capital.

Image of a pharmacy in Nogales, Mexico from 2004

February 6, 2023: Researchers find Mexican border pharmacies selling Americans fentanyl pills.

February 6, 2023

This week: Investigators found pharmacies selling fentanyl and meth pills disguised as real medicine. A grand jury indicted “healing magnet” sellers. Regulators addressed fake Mpox treatments and a questionable pharmacy. CBP seized tramadol. More families joined a lawsuit against Snapchat. Additional news involving fake pills in17 states.

vaccine cards in a mailing envelope

January 30, 2023: Utah plastic surgeon faked COVID vaccines and vaccine cards, says DOJ

January 30, 2023

A Salt Lake City physician allegedly faked almost 2,000 COVID-19 cards and gave fake injections, too. The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a roundtable about Snapchat drug dealers. Dozens more stories about counterfeit pills made of fentanyl and other dangerous substances in Canada, Wales, and 24 U.S. states.

A smashed box of pills with a blister pack. it's labeled Top Dol,” an Indian formulation of the Schedule IV opioid, tramadol.

January 23, 2023: Fake pharmacy operator gets 7 years and a $100,000 fine

January 23, 2023

Updates to cases involving a fake pharmacy that imported and sold controlled medicines to U.S. patients, a man who sold used and counterfeit cosmetic surgery devices, and a couple that sold unapproved substances as smart drugs. Additional news involving counterfeit pills made of fentanyl in 17 states.