Large quantity of illegal peptides seized in international operation

Icelandic Customs participated in an international Europol operation targeting the trade and import of illegal medicines, with support from the Icelandic Medicines Agency.

A total of 30 countries took part in the operation, called Operation SHIELD VI, which ran from April to November 2025. Globally, medicines with an estimated value of over 33 million euros were seized, 3,354 individuals were charged and 43 organised crime groups were investigated.

In Iceland, more than 5,000 vials of illegal peptides were seized. These substances are linked, among other things, to weight management, skin, hair and muscle development. In all cases, the peptides originated from China and were shipped to Iceland by post and express delivery. This is the first time Icelandic Customs has seized such peptides.

The sellers are based in China and typically offer 40–50 different types of peptides for sale. A total of 34 different types have been seized in Iceland, many of which have only been tested on humans to a limited extent and whose long-term effects are unknown.

In addition, nearly 11,000 tablets and 3 litres of so-called SARMs, intended for muscle growth, were seized last year.

Icelandic Customs and the Icelandic Medicines Agency worked in cooperation with the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police and Iceland’s liaison office at Europol during the operation.

Icelandic Customs will continue to prioritise efforts to prevent the import of illegal medicines and other harmful substances, in close cooperation with domestic and international authorities.

Read more about the operation in Europol’s press release on SHIELD VI.

See coverage by RÚV on the risks associated with illegal peptides.