ILLEGAL PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE
The case was one of 1,288 illegal health product listings removed from local e-commerce and social media platforms in an operation held from Dec 16, 2024, to May 16, 2025.
The operation was part of a global effort coordinated by Interpol to combat pharmaceutical crime. Ninety countries were involved, said HSA.
The top three categories of illegal health products detected are: Medicines for skin and hair conditions (37 per cent), antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral creams, tablets or capsules (15 per cent), and unregistered contact lenses (13 per cent).
Prescription medicines made up half the total number of illegal product listings detected online.
Of the 1,288 listings removed, 644 were for prescription medicines. These included acne creams, hair loss medicines, as well as antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral tablets and capsules to treat infections.
“These products are often sought by consumers who self-medicate,” HSA said.
“However, consumers who buy these medicines online are risking their health as prescription medicines contain potent ingredients and should only be used under proper medical supervision.”
