March 2025 Counterfeit Drug News Roundup: Global Crackdowns, Alarming Discoveries, and Rising Risks
March was a sobering month in the fight against counterfeit drugs, with sweeping enforcement actions, major product recalls, and rising concerns around the globe. From North America to Africa and across Asia, authorities uncovered dangerous fakes in circulation—many involving life-saving medications. Here’s a deeper look at what happened:
Canada: Fake Dilaudid Containing Dangerous Opioid
In British Columbia, officials seized counterfeit Dilaudid that was found to contain a highly potent synthetic opioid. The drug was being sold on the street and posed a serious risk of overdose. This case once again underscores the dangers of illicit opioid supplies being laced with deadly analogs.
India: A Month of Major Raids and Red Flags
India saw multiple coordinated efforts to dismantle counterfeit drug operations:
The CDSCO flagged a spurious batch of Telma-H, a commonly used blood pressure medication. Officials warned healthcare providers and consumers to verify batch numbers.
In Haryana, law enforcement raided an illegal drug manufacturing unit in Sonepat, seizing a large quantity of counterfeit stock.
In West Bengal, pharmacists raised alarm bells as fake medicines began flooding the market, calling for stronger regulatory oversight.
Bengaluru police cracked down on a counterfeit network responsible for distributing fake drugs through local chemists.
DrugsControl.org reported on additional seizures and investigations, highlighting how counterfeiters are leveraging local distribution channels to avoid detection.
Nigeria: Massive Seizures and Market Shutdowns
In a dramatic display of enforcement, Nigeria’s NAFDAC evacuated 100 truckloads of counterfeit medicines from warehouses and markets across Lagos, Anambra, and Abia states.
In a separate effort, NAFDAC also cracked down on Onitsha’s Ogbo Ogwu market—widely known as the largest open drug market in Africa. Officials say this market has been a long-standing hub for counterfeit activity, and are calling for structural reform and justice.
United States: Counterfeit Weight-Loss Drugs Raise Alarm
The FBI issued a public safety alert regarding fake versions of GLP-1-based weight-loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy. These knockoffs have been linked to adverse effects and are often purchased online or through unauthorized channels.
In Iowa, Attorney General Brenna Bird called on the FDA to step up enforcement and introduce stronger penalties to deter the growing black market for these high-demand drugs.
United Kingdom: BBC Investigates Online Drug Sales
A BBC investigation exposed the ease with which UK consumers can obtain counterfeit medications online, including weight-loss and erectile dysfunction drugs. Experts interviewed in the report warned that these online purchases are often routed through unregulated international suppliers, posing serious health risks.
The Takeaway
This month’s roundup highlights just how global—and dangerous—the counterfeit drug problem has become. Whether it’s lifesaving blood pressure meds in India, street opioids in Canada, or popular weight-loss drugs in the U.S., fake pharmaceuticals are a growing threat to public health.
Governments and enforcement agencies are stepping up, but consumers, providers, and manufacturers must remain vigilant. Always verify sources, educate your networks, and support efforts to track and eliminate these harmful fakes.