 As e-commerce grows, people are turning to the internet to buy their medicine. But many consumers are unaware of the risks, as these pharmacies can be illicit, selling medication that is outdated, counterfeit, or substituted. Operation PENGIA targets the organized crime networks behind the online sale of illicit medicines. The aim is to identify and block the main components of the trade. More than 100 countries took part in PENGIA 5, a global operation uniting 193 different agencies from police, customs, and national regulatory authorities, and working alongside private sector companies. Officials inspected packages at postal hubs confiscating illicit drugs such as anti-cancer medication, antibiotics, erectile dysfunction pills, slimming tablets, and food supplements. Police were able to shut down illicit online pharmacies, block spam emails that are often used to attract customers, and disrupt the payment systems used for buying the medicine. Several organizations took part in the week-long action at the end of September. An operations room at the Interpol General Secretariat provided all participants with a central point to share information during the operation. Police will continue to track down the criminals behind these illicit networks that make huge profits by putting the lives of consumers at risk. Interpol would like to remind consumers never to buy medicines from unknown sources.