According to statistics published by the European Commission this week medicines account for 24% of all goods detained by EU customs officers in 2011, making it the top category of counterfeit goods, ahead of cigarettes.

Further analysis of the statistic reveals that medicines make up a larger 36% of articles detained by customs officers in postal traffic. 68% of counterfeit medicines seized are believed to have originated in China.  The second major source is estimated to be India, responsible for 28.2% of cases recorded. The third major source is then Hong Kong, responsible for 1.5% cases.

Press release here

Full report here