The warning comes as global demand for medications and supplies has spiked dramatically as many countries grapple with the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus, offering criminals an opportunity to take advantage.

A statement from Britain's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said a March 3-10 global operation dubbed Operation Pangea XIII had targeted the illicit online sale of medicines and medical supplies in a collaborative effort involving police, customs and health regulatory authorities from over 90 countries.

"Globally, 2,000 online advertisements related to Covid-19 were found and more than 34,000 unlicensed and fake products, advertised as “corona spray”, “coronavirus medicines” or, “coronaviruses packages” were seized," the agency said.

"Whilst there were no coronavirus related products found to have reached UK borders on this occasion, Operation Pangea aims to tackle serious organized crime globally and the MHRA plays a big role in ensuring unlicensed medicines and medical devices are not making their way onto UK markets."

The operation resulted in 121 arrests worldwide and the seizure of potentially dangerous pharmaceuticals worth more than USD 14 million, Interpol said.

Fake medicines seized also included anti-depressants, erectile dysfunction tablets, painkillers and anabolic steroids.

Overall, authorities seized around 4.4 million units of illicit pharmaceuticals worldwide, Interpol said.

African News Agency