The fight against counterfeit and falsified medicines continues to make global headlines. From seizures of fake drugs worth millions to regulatory crackdowns and alarming public health warnings, August 2025 was filled with significant developments. Here’s a roundup of the most important counterfeit medicine news stories from around the world.
South Africa: Fake Medicine Worth R2.2 Million Seized
Police in Gqeberha seized counterfeit medicines valued at R2.2 million, disrupting a major supply chain of falsified products. Authorities emphasized the growing sophistication of counterfeiters targeting local markets.
Link: https://peexpress.co.za/gqeberha-police-seize-fake-medicine-worth-r2-2-million/
U.S.: Safe Medicines Coalition Highlights Ongoing Threats
The Partnership for Safe Medicines reported on seizures, arrests, and public warnings across the U.S., underscoring how counterfeit pills continue to infiltrate legitimate markets.
Link: https://www.safemedicines.org/2025/08/august-04-2025.html
Nigeria: Escalating War on Counterfeits
Nigeria is intensifying efforts against fake goods, particularly counterfeit medicines, with stricter enforcement and public education campaigns.
Link: https://primeprogressng.com/prime-health/inside-nigerias-escalating-war-on-fake-goods/
Nigeria: Illegal Drug Markets Exploiting Regulatory Gaps
Reports show flourishing illegal drug markets in Nigeria due to weak enforcement, making counterfeit medicines widely accessible.
Link: https://radionigeria.gov.ng/2025/08/09/illegal-drug-markets-flourish-due-to-regulatory-gaps-pcn/
U.S.: CBP Seizes Tens of Thousands of Counterfeit Medications
U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted fake Ozempic, Botox, erectile dysfunction drugs, dermal fillers, and even counterfeit contact lenses entering from Asia.
Link: https://local12.com/news/local/tens-of-thousands-of-counterfeit-medications-seized-customs-and-border-protection-ozempic-botox-dermal-fillers-erectile-dysfunction-medication-contact-lenses-asia
UK: Viagra Tops Seizure Lists
Authorities in the UK revealed that counterfeit Viagra remains the most-seized fake drug, showing continued high demand in the black market.
Link: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/most-seized-counterfeit-drug-fake-viagra-b1241721.html
India: Police Bust Fake Life-Saving Drug Racket
Indian police dismantled a counterfeit drug operation producing falsified life-saving medicines under the labels of top brands.
Link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/india-police-bust-racket-of-fake-life-saving-drugs-under-label-of-top-brands/ar-AA1K4444
Canada: Counterfeit Cialis and Viagra Seized in Toronto Area
Health Canada issued an alert after counterfeit erectile dysfunction medicines were found in Toronto, Pickering, and Brantford stores.
Link: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/public-advisory-fake-counterfeit-cialis-and-viagra-seized-from-toronto-pickering-and-brantford-stores-may-pose-serious-health-risks-882618772.html
UK/Ireland: Fake Weight-Loss Medication Sends Patients to Hospital
Authorities warned consumers after several people suffered serious health complications from counterfeit weight-loss drugs.
Link: https://www.u105.com/news/u105-news-and-sport/fake-weight-loss-medication-warning-as-people-suffer-adverse-reactions-and-hospitalisation/
U.S.: Counterfeit HIV Medicines in New York
Public health groups raised the alarm about fake HIV drugs being sold in New York, warning of dangerous risks to vulnerable patients.
Link: https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/525766/public-health-groups-raise-alarm-about-fake-hiv-medicines-in-new-york
Global: Anti-Counterfeiting Packaging Market Expands
Industry analysts project the anti-counterfeiting packaging market will reach $397.9 billion, driven by pharmaceutical security needs.
Link: https://www.openpr.com/news/4145439/anti-counterfeiting-packaging-market-to-reach-us-397-9-bn
India: Health Minister Orders Crackdown on Counterfeiters
India’s Health Minister instructed agencies to take decisive action against counterfeit drug makers amid growing reports of falsified medicines.
Link: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/health-minister-orders-action-against-counterfeit-drug-makers/articleshow/123417796.cms
U.S.: Iowa Pharmacy Fined Over Ozempic
An Iowa pharmacy was fined $25,000 after selling counterfeit versions of Ozempic, highlighting how the fake weight-loss drug epidemic has reached legitimate pharmacies.
Link: https://rollingout.com/2025/08/17/iowa-pharmacy-fined-25k-in-ozempic/
UK: Online Pharmacy Scams Exposed
A report revealed widespread fraudulent online pharmacies selling counterfeit medicines and preying on vulnerable patients.
Link: https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/fake-pharmacy-online-medication-scams-35738458
Global: Counterfeit Cancer Drugs Exploit Price Gaps
Counterfeiters are taking advantage of global price disparities and social media platforms to push fake cancer medicines.
Link: https://www.geneonline.com/counterfeit-cancer-drugs-exploit-social-media-and-global-price-gaps/
Bangladesh: Major Pharmacy Fined for Selling Counterfeits
Authorities fined Lazz Pharma Tk5 lakh after it was caught selling counterfeit drugs in Khulna.
Link: https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/crime/lazz-pharma-fined-tk5-lakh-selling-counterfeit-meds-khulna-1215171
U.S.: Wisconsin Officials Warn About Fake Pills
Local health authorities in Wisconsin warned residents about dangerous counterfeit pills circulating in the community.
Link: https://www.wbay.com/2025/08/22/local-health-officials-warn-about-counterfeit-pills/
India: Report Highlights Counterfeit Drug Risks
Coverage in DrugsControl.org stressed the health risks posed by widespread counterfeit medicines in India.
Link: https://drugscontrol.org/news-detail.php?newsid=43001
Nigeria: Counterfeit Products Linked to High Mortality
Experts reported that most deaths in Nigeria tied to counterfeit goods are linked directly to fake medicines.
Link: https://newtelegraphng.com/most-deaths-linked-to-consumption-of-fake-products-koku-obiyai/
Academic: New Research on Counterfeit Drug Market
A recent PubMed study explored the scale and impact of counterfeit medicine markets, offering data-driven insights for policy makers.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40856120/
Nigeria: NAFDAC Warns Against Fake Postinor-2 Pills
Nigeria’s regulatory agency, NAFDAC, issued a public warning about counterfeit emergency contraceptives in circulation.
Link: https://guardian.ng/features/health/nafdac-warns-against-fake-postinor-2-pills-circulating-in-nigeria/
Pakistan: Counterfeit Medicines Warning
Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority issued an alert on falsified medicines circulating in Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Link: https://bloompakistan.com/drap-issues-warning-on-counterfeit-medicines-in-punjab-gb/
Nigeria: 15 Arrested in Crackdown on Counterfeit Drugs
NAFDAC arrested 15 individuals in a major bust targeting fake drugs and sexual enhancement pills.
Link: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/nafdac-arrests-15-in-crack-down-on-counterfeit-drugs-sex-enhancers/
Nigeria: Fake Drug Traffickers Exposed
Investigative reports uncovered more networks distributing falsified medicines in Nigeria, with new arrests made.
Link: https://persecondnews.com/2025/08/28/96652/
U.S.: Dark Web and Social Media Fuel Illegal Pharmacies
Reports show that online black markets and social platforms are driving a dangerous surge in counterfeit medicine sales.
Link: https://foxrgv.tv/dark-web-and-social-media-fueling-dangerous-rise-in-illegal-online-pharmacies/
Zimbabwe: Authorities on High Alert
Zimbabwean health officials remain on high alert as counterfeit drug cases rise, with measures being taken to protect patients.
Link: https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/counterfeit-crisis-authorities-on-high-alert-to-protect-patients/
UK: Mounjaro Price Hikes Drive Counterfeits
Price surges for Mounjaro, a diabetes and weight-loss drug, are fueling counterfeit markets and impacting pharmacies.
Link: https://www.thepharmacist.co.uk/news/mounjaro-price-hikes-have-profound-impact-on-pharmacy-sector/
Nigeria: Illegal Herbal Plant Shut Down
NAFDAC closed an unlicensed herbal medicine facility in Kaduna for producing unregulated and potentially harmful treatments.
Link: https://guardian.ng/news/nafdac-shuts-illegal-herbal-plant-in-kaduna/
August 2025 highlighted the scale of the counterfeit medicine crisis: seizures across continents, dangerous online sales, and regulators fighting to keep pace. The lesson is clear—patients, brands, and regulators must remain vigilant. Stronger authentication technologies, increased enforcement, and global cooperation are critical to ensuring safe medicines reach those who need them.