Ukrainian Authorities Shut Down Production and Sale of Fake Medicines

The Security Service of Ukraine has recently put an end to the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs in the Poltava region in central Ukraine.

The head of the counterfeiting group, a representative of a pharmaceutical company, arranged a clandestine workshop in the town of Lubny where counterfeit drugs were manufactured and then sold through a drugstore chain in the Poltava region.

The authorities raided the production facilities and the residences of the persons involved and seized more than 20 counterfeit drugs, almost 5.5 kg of various substances, as well as packaging, labels, and medical equipment.

More counterfeit drugs are currently being seized from the drugstore chain, while a criminal investigation is ongoing. Ukraine has recently adopted a set of amendments to its Criminal Code, increasing criminal penalties for the production and distribution of counterfeit medicines, so the persons found guilty in this case are facing a prison sentence of 8-10 years.

Prepared by: Yulia Kropivka and Igor Alfiorov

For more information, please contact ukraine@petosevic.com.

Source: The Security Service of Ukraine website