INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Opson
Opson is an Interpol-Europol operation centered on fighting counterfeit food and beverages. OPSON VI Operation which took place simultaneously in Abuja and Lagos on 17th March 2017 was coordinated by Interpol and Federal Task Force. The total value of the products seized during the operation was approximately One Hundred Million Naira (₦100M≡$266, 666.67; at an exchange rate of 1USD to ₦385).
Operation PANGEA for drug products
Operation Pangea is the largest global Internet-based operation focusing on illicit websites selling fake or counterfeit medicines. Operation Pangea consists of coordinated actions by police, drug regulatory authorities (DRA), customs and private entities with a view to:
- Disrupting illicit online pharmacies;
- Intercepting illicit medical products in the postal system;
- Enhancing the prosecutions of suspects through long-term investigations; and
- Increasing public awareness of the problem of the sale of counterfeit and illicit medicines online via a media release and public awareness campaigns.
The Federal Task Force has participated in the operation
Operation HEERA
This is an initiative regarding the fight against pharmaceutical crime in western Africa. An officer and point of contact network is established which will share information in real time. Each country is expected to coordinate an operation yearly in a particular month to raid offenders against pharmaceutical crime depending on countries means.
The Federal Task Force participated in the 2017 operation, and will be participating in the one slated for 2018.
