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Abstract

This dissertation explores the scale at which illicit prescription only medicines are being sold to patients by illegal online pharmacies and therefore determine if greater regulation is required to protect patients from the dangers of buying their medication from the internet. Using both qualitative and quantitative secondary data a literature review was conducted to establish the scale and dangers posed by the illicit trade of pharmaceuticals. Unpublished primary data from two campaigns conducted by the Pharmaceutical Security Institute targeting the activities of illegal online pharmacies was analysed to ascertain the prevalence and modus operandi of illegal online pharmacies’, and relevant secondary research was used to establish if the current regulation of online pharmacies is effective in protecting the public.
The research found that confusion in terminology especially in the definition of the word counterfeit has led to an inability to accurately measure the scale of illicit medicines. Three metrics have been widely publicised to provide an answer, however their validity has been called into question. Online pharmacies provide a convenient vehicle in providing access to medicines but can also be an opportunity for organised crime groups to make money, selling illicit pharmaceuticals that could potentially harm or kill the patients who buy them; 96% of online pharmacies were found to be operating illegally in 1996. The Pharmaceutical Security Institute found that most illegal online pharmacy websites are part of larger networks supported by a small number of internet registrars and internet service providers. Whilst most registrars adhere to the threat of legal action to stop the activity of illegal online pharmacies, a few rogue registrars continue to support the offending sites which remain active.
Research into the effectiveness of the current regulation of online pharmacies suggests that whilst greater regulation is perhaps not required, the implementation of a multi-national, multi-agency working group would provide the coordination needed to increase its effectiveness in curbing the activity of illegal online pharmacies.

Course: Risk and Security Management - BSc (Hons) - C1565

Date Deposited: 2020-11-23

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13617.html