FDA Issues First Numbers for Indian Drug Enforcement Operation

The FDA and the government of India stopped hundreds of shipments of illicit prescription drugs and combination products from entering the U.S. during their first joint enforcement operation.

The joint effort, conducted from January 28 through January 30, stopped around 500 shipments of counterfeit, unapproved prescription drugs from making it into the U.S. through one of the country’s nine international mail facilities.

The joint operation looked through packages contained in more than 800 shipments and identified approximately 50 different types of products regulated by the FDA — including cancer medications, HIV drugs and opioid products. Much of the cargo had been routed through other countries to hide its origin country and to avoid discovery.

FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn warned that consumers in the U.S. face potential risks when they order pharmaceutical products from unauthorized manufacturers abroad and receive them through the U.S. international mail system.