Alerte INTERPOL : Le danger de la contrefaçon d'ivermectine et de fenbendazole

The fight against pharmaceutical crime has reached a decisive milestone with the announcement of the results of Operation Pangea XVIII. Led by INTERPOL in 90 countries, this operation has highlighted an alarming trend: the counterfeiting of ivermectin and fenbendazole is skyrocketing on the digital black market. Driven by false therapeutic promises, particularly regarding cancer treatment, thousands of patients are turning to illicit networks. Faced with products that are often completely unregulated, laboratory testing has become the only safeguard against potentially fatal consequences.

Ivermectin and Fenbendazole: From Veterinary Medicine to Human Misuse

These two molecules belong to the class of antiparasitic agents, but their official indications differ radically.

Ivermectin: A Treatment for Human and Veterinary Use

Ivermectin is a drug used to treat various parasitic infections in humans, such as scabies and onchocerciasis, as well as in animals. Although recognized for its antiparasitic efficacy, its use is strictly regulated by medical protocols.

Fenbendazole: a drug for strictly veterinary use

Fenbendazole is an anthelmintic approved exclusively for veterinary use. It is commonly used to treat worms in cattle and pets. Unlike ivermectin, it has never been approved for human use due to a lack of clinical studies demonstrating its safety and efficacy in humans.

The surge in requests: the mirage of cancer treatment

One of the most striking findings of Operation Pangea XVIII is the massive resurgence of anti-parasitic drugs in global seizures. This demand is fueled by misinformation spreading rapidly on social media.

The repurposing of drugs for cancer treatment

Many online publications tout the use of these compounds as alternative cancer treatments without providing any scientific evidence to support their claims. Criminals exploit patients’ distress by selling “cancer treatment kits.” These products are often fraudulently labeled as “health supplements” to circumvent customs regulations and make them easier to obtain.

A major health risk

Self-medicating with these products, especially when they are counterfeit versions of ivermectin and fenbendazole, poses serious risks:

Hepatic and renal toxicity: Veterinary doses are not suitable for human metabolism.

Drug interactions: These substances may interfere with conventional chemotherapy, reducing the chances of a full recovery.

Lack of proven treatment: Delaying treatment with scientifically validated methods can lead to irreversible disease progression.

The Reality of Seizures: A Review of Operation Pangea XVIII

Operation Pangea XVIII, coordinated by INTERPOL from March 10 to 23, 2026, revealed the scale of global trafficking in illicit drugs, with the total value of seizures reaching $15.5 million.

Spotlight on Counterfeit Ivermectin and Fenbendazole

Authorities have noted a sharp increase in seizures of pesticides, a trend not seen on this scale since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Countries most affected: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the United States, and the United Kingdom have all reported significant seizures of these two substances.

Distribution methods: The products are primarily distributed through online marketplaces, social media pages, and automated bots. Approximately 5,700 illicit websites and links were taken down during the operation.

Investigators have found that these drugs are often manufactured under deplorable sanitary conditions, mislabeled, or stored in substandard warehouses, which seriously compromises their chemical stability.

HPLC-UV Analysis: Pharmanalyse’s Response to Counterfeit Ivermectin and Fenbendazole

In a market flooded with counterfeit purity certificates, only science offers certainty. Pharmanalyse offers a rigorous quality control solution to identify any counterfeit ivermectin and fenbendazole.

Why is laboratory expertise so important?

The sophistication of illicit packaging makes visual detection impossible. Analysis using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-UV) makes it possible to:

• Identify the substance: Ensure that the product contains the claimed active ingredient.
• Measure the dosage: Detect underdosed, ineffective, or overdosed products that may be toxic.
• Detect impurities: Identify solvent residues or contaminants resulting from illicit synthesis.

By making these analyses available to individuals, NGOs, and healthcare professionals, Pharmanalyse plays an active role in protecting the public from criminal networks identified by INTERPOL.

Caution is still advised regarding counterfeit ivermectin and fenbendazole

The results of Operation Pangea XVIII serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of the black market for medicines. The promise of a miracle cure must never take precedence over proven safety. In the face of rising counterfeiting of ivermectin and fenbendazole, scientific verification is the only effective safeguard. Don’t put your health in the hands of illicit networks: demand transparency and certification.