April 2025 Counterfeit Medicine News Roundup: Global Seizures, Warnings, and Investigations
April saw a global surge in enforcement activity, awareness campaigns, and alarming discoveries tied to counterfeit medicines. Here’s a comprehensive roundup of the most important news from around the world:
🚨 Counterfeit Seizures and Investigations
FDA Cracks Down on Counterfeit Ozempic in the U.S.
The FDA seized hundreds of units of fake Ozempic amid growing concerns about counterfeit semaglutide in the supply chain.
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FDA and Novo Nordisk investigating counterfeit semaglutideCanada: RCMP Warns of Lethal Counterfeit Pills in Circulation
Canadian authorities raised the alarm about fake pills containing dangerously high levels of toxic substances.
Read moreIndia: NAFDAC Blocks Influx from China and India
Nigerian authorities intensified border enforcement to block substandard and counterfeit products, with a focus on shipments from China and India.
Read moreVietnam: Counterfeit Ring Rakes in Nearly $8 Million
A sophisticated interprovincial counterfeit drug network in Vietnam was dismantled, exposing a massive illicit operation.
Read moreCameroon: Massive Fake Drug Destruction Operation
Authorities destroyed a large haul of counterfeit medicines as part of a sweeping enforcement action.
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🏥 Supply Chain Concerns
Delhi: Fake Medicines in Hospitals Spark Political Outrage
Delhi’s Congress chief alleged that counterfeit drugs are being supplied in government hospitals.
Read moreCalls for Recall: Sun Pharma’s Levipil Under Scrutiny
Pressure mounts on Sun Pharma to voluntarily recall Levipil-500 amid questions about its authenticity.
Read moreMalaria Drugs in Nigeria Under Investigation
Experts raised fresh concerns about fake malaria drugs circulating in Nigerian pharmacies.
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🌐 Research & Public Awareness
Mexico’s Fentanyl-Based Counterfeit Crisis in Pharmacies
A scholarly article outlined the deadly threat of fentanyl-laced counterfeit medications sold openly in Mexican pharmacies.
Read the publicationPhysicians in Egypt Warn of Rising Medical Forgery
A study revealed that many Egyptian physicians are highly aware—and increasingly concerned—about counterfeit medicines in clinical practice.
Full study PDF
📦 Other Notable Incidents
India: Arrests Made in Fake Drug Shipment Case
Authorities disrupted a scheme trafficking counterfeit drugs worth crores.
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Related story
Another bustUK: Dangerous Counterfeit Pills Enter the Market
Counterfeit medications containing unsafe ingredients made their way into pharmacies and online sellers.
Read moreFDA Action on Illegal Online Pharmacy
The FDA took action against an unauthorized website selling counterfeit drugs.
Read moreFake Drug Syndicates Still Thriving Despite Enforcement
An in-depth report discusses the persistence of sophisticated counterfeit drug networks.
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Takeaway
April’s developments paint a stark picture: counterfeit drugs are not only a global issue, but one infiltrating legitimate supply chains. From fake semaglutide injections to hospital-supplied counterfeits, the stakes have never been higher.
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