The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in partnership with multiple international regulatory and law enforcement agencies, targeted over 4,100 internet pharmacies that allegedly sell potentially dangerous, unapproved drugs to consumers. On October 4, 2012, the FDA announced the details of Operation Pangea V, a global effort to combat the online sale and distribution of potentially counterfeit and illegal medical products. In executing Operation Pangea V, the FDA collaborated with INTERPOL, the World Customs Organization, Permanent Forum of International Pharmaceutical Crime, Heads of Medicines Agencies Working Group of Enforcement Officers, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency of the United Kingdom, the Irish Medicines Board, the London Metropolitan Police, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Center for Safe Internet Pharmacies, and the national health and law enforcement agencies from 100 other participating countries. The cooperative investigations conducted by these law enforcement, customs, and regulatory authorities resulted in civil and criminal charges, seizure of illegal produces, and removal of websites.
