Officers  are briefed on what to look for when searching locations for illicit goods.

Organized crime groups are often behind the trafficking of illicit goods, using the large profits involved to fund other criminal activities. 

The ultimate goal is to arrest the criminals and break up the organized crime networks behind the trafficking in illicit goods.

As the global trade in goods increases, so too does the trafficking of illicit goods. 

Even food and drink can be dangerous if they do not pass through the proper regulatory channels. 

Each operation follows a similar process, starting with a training session to provide local police with the necessary skills and knowledge. 

Seized goods are confiscated as police continue their investigations to track down and prosecute the criminals behind the trade.

The illicit goods are destroyed, so they can no longer pose a threat to consumers.

We work closely with police in our member countries, equipping them with the tools to identify and arrest the criminal behind illicit trade. 

Any product can be counterfeited, trafficked or sold illegally by criminal networks.  

INTERPOL has long been fighting the criminal networks behind illicit trade. Since 2010, we have held eight regional operations on five continents, comprising nearly 2,000 individual interventions. 

Illicit goods, such as fake medicines, can pose serious health risks to consumers.