A total of 1,200 Internet sites selling fake medicines have been exposed in an international Interpol operation, head of Interpol's Russian bureau has said.

"The operation was staged concurrently in 25 countries. Its aim was to stop illegal sales of fake medicines. It was found out that among the best selling fake medicines are antibiotics, contraceptives, and steroids," Timur Lakhonin said.

"The operation exposed 1,200 Internet sites selling fake medicines, of which 153 have been closed, and investigation has been launched in respect of 127," he noted.

According to Lakhonin, Interpol will soon stage the third phase of the operation. He also said he hoped such operations would be held on regular basis.