afrol News, 3 October - Belgian custom officers at Brussels airport have seized more than million counterfeit drugs, which were destined for Africa. News about consignment said to have been discovered last week, were only made public yesterday.

Officials said shipment from India, which comprised copies of an anti-malaria drug, was biggest seizure of fake medication ever made in Europe.

Customs officers at Brussels airport reportedly became suspicious when they noticed spelling mistakes of labels on shipment.

Hidden in large bags, reports said pills were copies of a strong painkiller made by a German company, and a Swiss-made anti-malarial treatment.

Confiscated medicines had been sent in three shipments by an Indian company in Mumbai, and were bound for two unnamed companies based in Togo, officials said.

According to United Nations estimates, fake medicines represent 10% of world market and up to 30% of African market.

Customs officers also explained that seizure, made last week, was only made public on Thursday night.

Belgian media reported that drugs were probably intended to be distributed across West Africa.

"Thanks to this seizure, we have saved lives," Belgium's customs department spokesperson, Lieven Muylaert, was quoted as saying.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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