Decrease in seizures of medications and doping substances in 2024
In 2024, the number of seizures of medications and doping substances fell. These shipments often contain undeclared or unauthorized substances, posing health risks. Erectile dysfunction treatments were the most prevalent. About half of the medications came from hubs in Eastern and Western Europe.
The number of seized medicines and doping substances fell in 2024
In 2024, the FOCBS seized a total of 6,755 shipments containing medications and doping substances, slightly fewer than the previous year (2023: 8,081). These shipments included a wide variety of preparations with undeclared or unauthorized substances, incorrect dosages, and were often delivered without a package insert. Such products can pose a health risk to recipients.
The FOCBS systematically checks whether the seized medications are authorized and compliant, as well as whether the quantity respects the monthly limit allowed for private individuals. If a shipment is suspicious, the FOCBS informs Swissmedic and holds the package. When it comes to doping substances, a zero-tolerance policy applies. In 2024, 5,668 shipments were reported to Swissmedic.
Erectile dysfunction drugs again accounted for the majority of seized medications, with a share of 57%. A new trend this year saw hair loss treatments and weight-loss products each making up 4% of shipments. Around half of the seized medications entered Switzerland via distribution hubs in Eastern and Western Europe, while approximately one-quarter came directly from India.
The most frequently seized medicines were the following
- Erectile dysfunction treatments (57%)
- Sleeping pills and tranquilizers (10%)
- Nasal sprays and laxatives (6%)
- Hormones (incl. melatonin) (4%)
- Hair loss remedies (4%)
- Slimming products (4%)
- Antibiotics, antiparasitics, antivirals (3%)
- Other (12%)
Origin of seized medicines
- Western Europe (25%)
- India (25%)
- Eastern Europe (24%)
- Asia (without India) (14%)
- Other (12%)
