25/02/2026 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 25 February, Europol announced the dismantling of 43 pharmaceutical crime networks in Operation ‘SHIELD VI’. Carried out between April and November 2025 in 30 countries, this operation was supported by Frontex, Interpol and the World Anti-Doping Agency. It led to the prosecution of 3,354 individuals and the closure of 66 illegal websites and five underground laboratories. In total, the authorities seized €33 million worth of illicit medicines and doping substances. Among the seizures were counterfeit products used as fat-burners, as well as medicines containing potent synthetic substances and posing fatal risks of overdose. Europol highlights the growing threat posed by the diversion of licensed products and the proliferation of online sales channels exploiting the non-therapeutic use of medicines. (JM)