German authorities investigate trade in potentially stolen medicines from Greece
German authorities have established a task force to investigate the trade of potentially stolen pharmaceuticals originating from Greece. The Brandenburg-based company Lunapharm has had its operating license revoked.
Authorities in the German state of Brandenburg have launched a special task force to investigate a suspected scheme involving the trade of pharmaceuticals allegedly stolen in Greece and subsequently sold by the company Lunapharm Deutschland GmbH. The task force includes administrative experts and pharmaceutical specialists.
The investigation concerns a recall of medicines nearing their expiry dates, which are suspected to have been stolen in Greece before being distributed by Lunapharm. The company's operating license has been revoked as a result of the findings. Authorities are also scrutinizing whether the cold chain requirements for transporting the medicines from Greece to Germany were adequately maintained.
Greek authorities have been contacted for clarification on whether the medicines supplied to Lunapharm were indeed stolen. An official response is still pending. Laboratory analyses are underway to verify the quality and origin of the affected medications. Details on the specific drugs involved and customer lists are being compiled and will be published.
A dedicated information hotline has been established for patients concerned about their personal medication. The hotline provides guidance on which medicines are part of the recall and the potential health risks associated with using possibly counterfeit or improperly handled pharmaceuticals.