The Edge Markets Turns to Libby Baney for Insight on Digital Drug Dealers

Government and regulatory affairs partner Libby Baney, who is also senior advisor to the Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP Global), spoke to The Edge Markets about the growing number of digital drug dealers around the world.

Baney said that these drug dealers use an unlimited supply of websites to lure unsuspecting customers into buying counterfeit, substandard and sometimes even lethal fentanyl-laced medicines online. She noted that because they “can operate anonymously and from almost anywhere in the world, they’re far too often beyond the reach of local law enforcement.”

Further, Baney stated that ASOP Global encourages governments to enact legislation that encourages greater transparency and accountability online and combat illegal internet sales of medical products. “Over the last year, as governments around the world have experienced first-hand the dangers of an unchecked internet, we’ve seen more bills introduced that would help protect consumers online, such as the Digital Services Act in the EU, which would make it harder for criminals to operate anonymously, and the DRUGS Act in the U.S. House and Senate, which would make it easier to suspend websites that are selling dangerous medications online.”

Baney added, “Illegal online drug sellers are a global problem, and we need a consistent and coordinated global solution to protect consumers globally online.”