Fake COVID-19 Kits Seized, 407 People Arrested From 77 Countries in International Raids, Says Interpol
As many as 17,000 fake COVID-19 testing kits have been seized from 77 countries during raids against illicit food and drink products, Interpol said on Wednesday.
Lyon, July 13: As many as 17,000 fake COVID-19 testing kits have been seized from 77 countries during raids against illicit food and drink products, Interpol said on Wednesday. Besides seizure of fake COVID-19 testing kits worth $40 million (34.5 million euros), 407 people have also been arrested in the ninth Operation Opson against counterfeit or substandard food and drink. The operation was coordinated by Interpol and Europol. Government Amends Export Policy Of PPE Kits & Masks; Export of Medical Coverall And Face Shields Not Permitted.
The international crackdown on trafficking was carried out from December 2019 to June 2020. According to the Interpol, during the raids, more than USD 40 million worth of potentially dangerous fake food and drink was seized. Among the items discovered were dairy products contaminated with bacteria, meat from illegally slaughtered animals and food products falsely labelled as medicinal cures. People More Vulnerable to COVID-19 Infection at Home, Finds Study.
"As countries around the world continue their efforts to contain COVID-19, the criminal networks distributing these potentially dangerous products show only their determination to make a profit," Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock in a press release. "The scale and variety of food and drink seized during this operation serves as a reminder for members of the public to be vigilant about what they buy, and the need for continued vigilance and action by law enforcement," he added.
During the crackdown, officials seized more than USD 20 million worth of illicit alcoholic beverages, including 5,000 litres of vodka smuggled in a trailer in Norway. In addition to the fake food and drink, other illicit products recovered included cosmetics, footwear, clothing, handbags, car parts, electronics, tobacco and medicines, worth an estimated USD 3.1 million.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2020 08:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).