The international law enforcement community has delivered a significant blow to the global market of doping substances and counterfeit medicinal products. From April to November 2025, a large-scale interagency operation, “SHIELD VI,” was carried out to combat the illegal manufacture, distribution, and use of prohibited substances, falsified medicines, and dangerous food supplements.

The joint action brought together law enforcement, customs, judicial, medical, and anti-doping authorities from 30 countries, with the participation of the World Anti-Doping Agency, ensuring coordinated efforts to protect clean sport at the international level.

Geographical scope of the operation:

The participating countries included: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Key results demonstrating the scale of the operation:

• 3,354 individuals brought to justice;
• 907 investigations initiated;
• 5 clandestine laboratories and 10 illegal production sites dismantled;
• 66 websites used to sell illicit products shut down;
• 5,517 in-competition and 5,916 out-of-competition tests conducted.

In the area of anti-doping enforcement, authorities seized:

• 298,594 illegal postal consignments;
• 2,315 kg of powders and raw materials;
• 4,110 litres of active ingredients;
• 4,587,835 tablets;
• 1,170,383 vials and ampoules.

The total value of the seized products exceeded €33 million.

Particular concern was raised over the growing circulation of falsified medicines containing semaglutide, unlawfully marketed as weight-loss products. In addition, authorities identified counterfeit medicinal products containing potent synthetic substances, including nitazenes. These substances may be disguised as legitimate opioid medicines, significantly increasing the risk of poisoning and overdose.

Operation “SHIELD VI” demonstrates that the black market for doping substances and falsified medicines operates on a systemic, transnational scale. At the same time, it confirms the effectiveness of coordinated international cooperation in addressing these threats.

The National Anti-Doping Centre emphasizes that the use of prohibited or unverified substances not only constitutes a violation of anti-doping rules but also poses a direct threat to athletes’ health. Safeguarding the principles of clean sport requires sustained joint efforts by governments, international organizations, and the sporting community.