Health Canada has issued a critical public advisory regarding the risks associated with purchasing health products online. This warning emerged from a significant international operation, dubbed Operation Pangea XVII, which was spearheaded by Interpol and took place from December 16, 2024, to May 16, 2025. This operation involved 90 countries and led to substantial outcomes, including the seizure of 50.4 million doses of counterfeit medications valued at over $88 million. Notably, this resulted in 769 arrests and the dismantling of 123 criminal organizations, marking one of the largest actions in Interpol’s history. David Caunter, the acting director of organized and emerging crime at Interpol, emphasized the public health risks posed by fake medications, which may contain dangerous ingredients that can cause severe illness or death.
In Canada specifically, Health Canada examined a significant number of incoming packages—19,193 in total—with 7,096 being stopped at the border. An additional 539 packages were seized due to suspicions of containing counterfeit or unauthorized health products, amounting to an estimated value of $378,000. Among the confiscated items, a striking 69% were sexual enhancement medications, followed by 10% being dietary supplements. Other seized categories included veterinary and antiparasitic drugs (4%), hormones (2%), antibiotics (2%), and weight loss products (1%). These findings underscore a worrying trend in the types of counterfeit products that are particularly prevalent.
Health Canada cautions that although health products sold online may appear legitimate, many are unapproved and may entail significant health risks. Unauthorized products have not undergone rigorous assessment by Health Canada, raising concerns about their safety, efficacy, and overall quality. For instance, counterfeit medications may contain no active ingredients, incorrect additives, or harmful substances that are not disclosed on the labeling. As a result, Canadians are urged to be vigilant when considering health products from online sources.
The agency further warns that unlicensed medical devices may be substandard, ineffective, or even hazardous. In light of these dangers, the public advisory encourages Canadians to take proactive measures to safeguard their health. This includes verifying the legitimacy of online pharmacies by contacting the regulatory authority in their province or territory. Additionally, Health Canada recommends that individuals consult with healthcare professionals, such as doctors or pharmacists, whenever there are uncertainties regarding healthcare products.
Moreover, Health Canada emphasizes the importance of reporting any adverse reactions or complaints related to drugs, natural health products, or medical devices, particularly those that are deemed illegal. The advisory also highlights the availability of resources, such as the recalls and safety alerts database, where citizens can check for advisories concerning questionable health products. Thus, Canadians are urged to inform themselves about authorized health products and remain cautious when engaging with online vendors.
In summary, the advisory serves as a vital reminder about the potential hazards of purchasing health products online, particularly in light of the enormous scale of counterfeit operations globally. Canadians must be diligent in recognizing the risks and verifying the legitimacy of health products before making any purchases. Through awareness, consultation with health professionals, and active reporting of suspicious products, the public can better protect themselves against the dangers posed by counterfeit medications and unauthorized health products.
