Stolen medicines diverted for export: custody evidence must cross borders

Stolen loads are seeking markets outside the United States

In an analysis published on November 2, 2026, Octapharma USA logistics manager Kerem Tokel said tighter controls in the US pharmaceutical market are pushing some stolen loads toward export. He identified the I-90 corridor, Memphis, southern Tennessee and Southern California as areas of concern and warned about fraudulent carrier or destination changes. Read the Pharmaceutical Commerce interview

Recovering a box does not prove the medicine remains legitimate

After a diversion, packaging, paperwork and routing can be rebuilt to create a normal appearance. Verification must connect the lot, origin, manufacturer, authorised consignee, carrier, vehicle, seal and every custody transfer. A destination or operator discrepancy should block the shipment until it is confirmed through an independent channel.

Commercial status must follow the lot across the border

A stolen, diverted, recovered or quarantined lot should not reappear in another country as normal inventory. A Digital Product Passport can carry a verifiable status and custody references, allowing distributors and buyers to check whether an offer matches the authorised route.

For sensitive goods, origin and condition are separate evidence

Correct origin does not prove that temperature, seal integrity and transit time remained within limits. When medicine or food travels through an unknown route, release, quarantine or destruction decisions should combine traceability with condition data and corrective action. FoodSteps applies this discipline to food chains and quality operations. Visit FoodSteps

Immediate controls for shippers and distributors

• Confirm carrier and destination changes through an independent contact.
• Record pickup, seal, vehicle and delivery as signed custody events.
• Block lots when the actual route diverges from the authorised order.
• Share theft or quarantine status with relevant buyers and authorities.
• Require condition evidence before releasing recovered products.