Guatemala continues fight against counterfeited drugs

By Mayora IP

The Public Ministry and the National Civil Police of Guatemala carried out search and confiscation procedures throughout the country in different businesses, laboratories and drug stores which produce, market and distribute medicines. During the procedures authorities seized over 18,000 boxes and blisters packs of unauthorized drugs which infringed Intellectual Property regulations.

Guatemala is one of the largest pharmaceutical markets in Central America, with a market value expected to reach USD 1.5 billion in 2021.

Illicit markets for counterfeit pharmaceuticals are attractive for counterfeiters, given their high profit margins, low risks of detection and prosecution, and the ease with which consumers can be deceived into believing that the counterfeit products are genuine. 

In Guatemala governments and industry have been working hand-in-hand to combat counterfeit, substandard and falsified pharmaceuticals. Actions taken range from legislative measures to enforcement and awareness-raising campaigns.

On an international level, many initiatives are underway to tackle the growing problem of counterfeit pharmaceuticals, including crime-fighting programes run by INTERPOL and the World Health Organization.