Australia reports jump in fake drug cases

Australia has reported a jump in the number of parcels of counterfeit pharmaceuticals seized by customs.

In each of the past two years customs has intercepted more than 700 packages of fake drugs, up from 262 in 2009-10, The Australian reports. The rise is attributed to growing acceptance of online shopping and the strong Australian dollar.

"We strongly urge consumers to think about the risks and stay away from online medicines. It’s not worth jeopardising your health," said Brendan Shaw, chief executive of Medicines Australia. Drugs for erectile dysfunction, slimming and tanning are reportedly among the seized products.

The sharp rise in the number of packages seized by customs mirrors the situation in Europe. As in Australia, Europe saw a jump in the number of packages seized after 2009. The surge is tied to an increase in the number of people buying fake goods online.