Illegal imports of medicines
Slightly fewer illegal medicines than last year were seized by Swissmedic together with the Federal Customs Administration. Erectile stimulants still top the list. In terms of countries of origin, Singapore is ahead of India for the first time.
The number of illegally imported medicines is only slightly healthy compared to the previous year, according to Swissmedic. In 2020, the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, together with the Federal Customs Administration, seized 6733 illegal imports of medicines. In the previous year, the confiscated medicines were 7781 items. Erectile stimulants still lead the ranking. In terms of countries of origin, Singapore is ahead of India for the first time, followed by European countries acting as intermediate points.
Preparations with undeclared chemical agents
Since a simplified 2020 procedure for illegal drug imports, significantly more preparations such as illegal erection enhancers or psychotropic drugs can be seized. Herbal preparations with undeclared chemical active ingredients are classified as particularly dangerous. Swissmedic also analyzed herbal teas, capsules or natural liquid concentrates for weight loss or potency enhancement containing undeclared pharmacologically active substances. In addition, two different honey preparations with undeclared potency-enhancing active ingredients were also seized.
The change in distribution channels of criminal drug traffickers is striking, he said. In 2020, most illegal drugs were shipped from Singapore (1310 shipments), followed by India (1304 shipments). Illegal suppliers using Singapore as a delivery center to ship the illicit products contributed to this, he said.
Source: Swissmedic
