Authorities confiscate over 3,400 products
More than 3,400 products, including pharmaceutical preparations, narcotic substances, dietary supplements, and tobacco products, were seized by authorities in Cyprus during the INTERPOL PANGEA operation between March 10 and March 23, 2026, according to Cyprus Police.
In a statement, Police said the Republic of Cyprus participated in Operation PANGEA for the 15th consecutive year. The global operation involved 90 INTERPOL member countries and aimed to identify and confiscate counterfeit pharmaceutical products distributed through the internet.
Multiple Cyprus agencies took part
Representing Cyprus Police were the Intellectual Property Theft and Illegal Betting Crime Unit of the Cybercrime Sub-Directorate, which coordinated the operation, as well as the Drug Law Enforcement Unit.
The operation in Cyprus was carried out with the participation of the Pharmaceutical Services, Customs Department, Postal Services, Health Services, Veterinary Services, the Competent Authority for Medical Equipment, the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, and the State General Laboratory.
Authorities conducted 12 coordinated operations at various premises, along with inspections at several entry points into the Republic of Cyprus.
Police said the confiscated items fell under various prohibitions and restrictions under national legislation.
Global operation targets illegal online trade
According to the announcement, 158 investigations were carried out worldwide during the operation. Authorities seized counterfeit and unauthorised pharmaceutical products with an estimated total value exceeding $15.5 million.
In addition, 5,700 illegal websites, links, and channels were identified and removed, while 269 suspects were arrested and 66 criminal organisations dismantled globally.
The operation was organised by INTERPOL in cooperation with EUROPOL, the World Customs Organization (WCO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other agencies.
Για 15η συνεχόμενη χρονιά, η Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία συμμετείχε στην επιχείρηση #PANGEA η οποία πραγματοποιήθηκε μεταξύ των ημερομηνιών 10/3/2026-23/3/2026. https://t.co/QC2FFH9T3nhttps://t.co/ISfvSylUhp pic.twitter.com/GbZJubCOZp
— Αστυνομία Κύπρου (@Cyprus_Police) May 10, 2026
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