France, May 7 -- The operation, known as "Pangea XVIII", was carried out in March across every continent and resulted in the seizure of more than six million illicit medicines worth over €14 million, the Lyon-based international police organisation announced on Thursday.

Among the counterfeit or unlicensed medicines confiscated were drugs for erectile dysfunction, sedatives, painkillers, antibiotics and smoking-cessation products.

The scale of the haul showed the continued expansion of illegal pharmaceutical markets, particularly online, Interpol said.

"Thanks to online markets and informal supply chains, criminals can exploit loopholes in controls and target people seeking quick or affordable treatments," Interpol Secretary Gene...