Baghdad: Health authorities have announced the seizure of a significant number of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and medical supplies in Baghdad’s Al-Saadoun Park area, located within the Rusafa district. The Ministry of Health revealed that more than 525,000 counterfeit items were uncovered during a recent operation.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry of Health detailed that a coordinated operation led by the Baghdad/Rusafa Health Directorate’s inspection department, in partnership with the Organized Crime Intelligence and the Pharmacists Syndicate, resulted in this substantial seizure. The operation was initiated after obtaining judicial warrants, following the detection of an illicit online drug sale via social media platforms.

The ministry’s statement clarified that the seized counterfeit items included 435,044 medications and 90,350 medical supplies, totaling 525,394 items. The operation spanned over eight hours, during which official documentation was prepared, and the counterfeit items were secured. Individuals involved in the illegal activities have been referred to the appropriate judicial authorities for further legal proceedings.

The ministry emphasized that efforts to combat the distribution and promotion of counterfeit medicines and medical supplies on social media are ongoing. These initiatives aim to protect public health and guarantee the availability of safe and effective medical products.