For the 15th consecutive year, the Republic of Cyprus participated in the PANGEA operation which took place between the dates 10/3/2026-23/3/2026. The operation was carried out simultaneously at a global level, with the participation of 90 INTERPOL Member Countries, with the aim of detecting and seizing falsified pharmaceutical products traded online.
On behalf of the Police, the Branch for Combating Offenses of Theft of Intellectual Property and Illegal Betting, of the Cybercrime Sub-Directorate, which was also responsible for coordinating and conducting the whole operation, as well as the Anti-Drug Service, participated.
The operation is organized by INTERPOL, in cooperation with EUROPOL, the World Customs Organization (WCO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other Bodies.
During the operation, 158 searches were carried out on a global scale and unapproved and counterfeit pharmaceutical products were seized, with an estimated total value of more than 15.5 million US dollars. In addition, 5700 illegal websites, links and channels were identified and deleted, 269 suspects were arrested and 66 criminal organizations were dismantled.
The operation in Cyprus was carried out by the Police, with the participation of the Pharmaceutical Services, the Department of Customs, Postal Services, Health Services, Veterinary Services, the Competent Authority for Medical Equipment, the Ministry of Energy, Trade & Industry and the State Chemical Laboratory.
12 joint coordinated operations were carried out in various premises, as well as inspections at various entry points into the Republic of Cyprus. More than 3400 products were confiscated which fall under various prohibitions and restrictions, in accordance with the provisions of our National Legislation, including pharmaceuticals, narcotic substances, food supplements and tobacco products.
