During a week-long joint operation between U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), CBP officers inspected hundreds of boxes containing possible counterfeit and unapproved medications. A wide variety of unapproved FDA drugs were discovered during inspections including counterfeit injectables and pills. The operation was a success with a total of 63 shipments seized. Had all 63 shipments been legitimate, the combined value of all the drugs would have been over $268,000.

During the operation, CBP officers intercepted shipments containing counterfeit Ozempic, Wegovy, and Trulicity injections that are in demand for positive results in weight loss. Ozempic is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, however the injectable is not FDA-approved in the treatment of weight loss. During the operation, CBP officers seized a total of 12 shipments of counterfeit pre-filled medicated pens.

Various other medications discovered were Botox, Minoxidil, and Riaxon. These pharmaceuticals originated in many different countries such as China, South Korea, India, Italy, Guatemala, United Kingdom, and Canada. The seized shipments had final destinations all over the United States including Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Purchasing regulated cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals online can potentially pose serious health risks to the consumer. Consumers may believe the products are genuine, but there is no guarantee the products purchased are made in good manufacturing conditions unless they are purchased from a legitimate source.

Read more at U.S. Customs and Border Protection >>