Ingresar
Bolivia cracks down on the illicit trade in medicines
By PPO Abogados
The World Customs Organization (WCO) ran Operation STOP II, the largest-ever Customs-led global operation involving 146 Member Customs administrations, with the support of a number of international organizations, to crack down on the illicit trade in medicines, vaccines and medical devices related to COVID-19.A total of 2,360 cases of trafficking were reported by 83 Members and some 3,434 cases of seizures recorded. Of the 365.7 million units seized, 195.5 million were medicines related to COVID-19 (ivermectin, doxycycline, pregabalin, etc.), 156.7 million were medical devices (COVID-19 test kits, face masks, used gloves, sanitizer gel, oxygen cylinders, etc.) and around 13.5 million were doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
STOP II used its secure communication tool (IPR CENcomm Group) for data exchange on counterfeit medical supplies and fake medicines to enable timely sharing of information among Members. The WCO Secretariat also conducted in-depth data analysis to identify trends and risk indicators, enabling Customs administrations to strengthen their enforcement capabilities.
The National Customs of Bolivia was part of the Operation, ranking third in South America and 33rd worldwide among the best of the 146 participating countries in the fight against the smuggling of products linked to the COVID 19 pandemic.
PPO Indacochea
PPO Indacochea is Bolivia’s leading full-service law firm, formed through the strategic merger of PPO Abogados and Indacochea & Asociados—two of the most prominent and respected legal institutions in the country. With the largest team of lawyers and the broadest geographic coverage in the market, we are uniquely positioned to deliver legal solutions that are innovative, multidisciplinary, and business-oriented.
Our approach is simple and effective: we provide solutions, not just opinions. We work closely with our clients to understand their businesses and deliver strategic advice tailored to their most complex challenges. We channel transformative foreign investment into Bolivia, advise on high-stakes disputes before local and international tribunals, and offer end-to-end legal services that bridge the gap between law and business.
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At PPO Indacochea we redefine legal services to anticipate and exceed the demands of a fast-evolving business environment. We are proud to be consistently recognized by the most prestigious international legal directories, including Chambers and Partners, Legal 500, IFLR1000, Leaders League, Latin Lawyer, LACCA, and others, as Bolivia’s leading law firm. PPO Indacochea: Where law meets strategy, and local depth meets global vision.
