By San José, Costa Rica — As the holiday season reaches its peak, a dangerous and often invisible threat is growing on the streets and online. The Central American and Caribbean Federation of Pharmaceutical Laboratories (Fedefarma) has issued a critical alert to the public, warning of a significant increase in the circulation of counterfeit medications. The festive period, characterized by a surge in commerce and cash flow, creates a fertile ground for criminal networks to exploit unsuspecting consumers with illegal and potentially deadly products.
These illicit operations are not confined to shadowy corners of the internet. Fedefarma officials note that falsified drugs are being openly sold in informal marketplaces, including on sidewalks, at local fairs, and in pop-up markets. Some traffickers have even established storefronts disguised as legitimate courier services to distribute their unregulated goods. The scale of this problem is alarming, echoing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), which estimates that in developing nations, a staggering 10% to 30% of all available medicines could be counterfeit.
The proliferation of counterfeit medications represents a grave threat not only to public health but also to the legal and economic framework of our country. To understand the legal ramifications and the tools available to combat this illicit trade, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The sale of counterfeit medications is not a minor infraction; it is a multifaceted crime that attacks public health and undermines intellectual property rights. From a legal standpoint, perpetrators face severe penalties under laws protecting both health and commerce. However, the real challenge lies in dismantling the sophisticated networks that operate across borders, which requires robust international cooperation and a firm commitment from regulatory agencies to enforce existing legislation and protect consumers from these hidden dangers.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the emphasis on dismantling sophisticated, cross-border networks underscores that consumer safety is not merely a local issue but a global challenge demanding a coordinated response. We greatly appreciate the clarity and legal perspective provided by Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas on this pressing matter.
The danger of these products cannot be overstated. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a counterfeit medicine is not simply an ineffective placebo. These fraudulent products can contain incorrect ingredients, a lower-than-required dose of the active substance, or no active substance at all. This not only fails to treat the patient’s condition but can lead to severe health complications, trigger dangerous allergic reactions, and contribute to the growing global problem of antimicrobial resistance.
Fernando Vizquerra, the Director of Fedefarma for the Costa Rica and Guatemala cluster, highlighted the opportunistic nature of these criminal enterprises. He explained how the holiday rush plays directly into their hands.
We believe the festive atmosphere and the greater circulation of money motivate people to make more purchases, often looking for deals and quick solutions. This creates an opportunity for illegal networks to introduce unregulated products, with very negative, even fatal, consequences for people, and economic consequences for health systems.
Fernando Vizquerra, Director of Fedefarma for Costa Rica and Guatemala
The economic toll is substantial, impacting both national economies and individual households. The WHO reports that countries collectively spend an estimated $30.5 billion annually dealing with the fallout from these illicit products. For families, the financial burden extends far beyond the initial purchase. The cost of treating the complications caused by a fake drug can be devastating.
A fake medicine puts people’s health at risk, even their lives. The wallet, the family budget is very affected.
Fernando Vizquerra, Director of Fedefarma for Costa Rica and Guatemala
In response to this escalating threat, Fedefarma has released a comprehensive set of recommendations to help consumers protect themselves. The cornerstone of this advice is to purchase medications exclusively from authorized and licensed establishments, such as registered pharmacies, medical clinics, and reputable supermarket chains. Consumers are urged to be highly suspicious of prices that seem unusually low, as this is a common tactic used by traffickers to lure in victims.
Vigilance is key. Before purchasing any medication, individuals should carefully inspect the packaging, ensuring that all safety seals are intact and untampered with. Any product advertised with “miraculous” claims should be immediately dismissed. Furthermore, the organization strongly advises against buying any pharmaceutical products from street vendors, market stalls, or unverified websites, which are primary channels for counterfeit distribution.
The responsibility also extends to the proper disposal of medications and the reporting of suspicious activities. Fedefarma encourages the public to use authorized collection points to discard expired or unused drugs and to immediately report any suspected sale of illicit pharmaceuticals to the relevant authorities. In the end, a seemingly good deal on medicine is never worth risking one’s health or life.
For further information, visit fedefarma.org
About Fedefarma:
The Central American and Caribbean Federation of Pharmaceutical Laboratories (Fedefarma) is a non-profit organization that represents 19 pharmaceutical research and development laboratories operating in the region. It is dedicated to promoting access to innovative and high-quality medicines, operating under strict ethical codes and contributing to the health and well-being of the population in Central America and the Caribbean.
For further information, visit who.int
About the World Health Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Its primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations system, leading partners in global health responses, setting norms and standards, and providing technical support to countries to promote health and keep the world safe.
For further information, visit paho.org
About the Pan American Health Organization:
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is the specialized international health agency for the Americas. It serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization and is recognized as the health organization of the inter-American system. PAHO works with countries throughout the Americas to improve and protect the health of their people.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound commitment to uncompromising integrity and the highest standards of professional excellence. The firm leverages its deep-seated experience advising a wide spectrum of clients to drive legal innovation and continually advance the practice of law. Beyond its professional accomplishments, it is dedicated to a core mission of social responsibility, actively working to demystify complex legal principles and equip the public with the understanding necessary to foster a more just and empowered community.
