Operation Pangea XVIII is the world's largest co-ordinated initiative aimed at tackling the illegal medicines trade. 

Andy Morling, MHRA, head of the Criminal Enforcement Unit, said: ‘The scale of seizures in this year's operation underlines the persistent demand for medicines outside the regulated supply chain. 

‘Organised criminal groups are exploiting that demand and putting people's health at serious risk.  

‘We will continue to take decisive action to protect the public and ensure that medicines available in the UK meet our strict standards for safety, quality and effectiveness.'

Over half of the medicines seized were controlled drugs, with the remainder classified as prescription only medicines in the UK. The products most commonly intercepted  were associated with sedation, pain relief and treatments for erectile dysfunction. 

In parallel with seizures at the UK border, the MHRA's Criminal Enforcement Unit also took action to disrupt online supply routes, targeting a wide network of websites, social media accounts and posts, as well as listings on online marketplaces.