Police are warning people not to order prescription drugs over the internet. CBC

Trying to save money by buying drugs over the internet is a sure-fire way to get ripped off, according to Newfoundland and Labrador police.

“The fake pill industry is booming,” said RCMP Sgt. Boyd Merrill.

“It has sales in the billions of dollars and people in Newfoundland and Labrador are getting scammed as much as the rest of the world.”

Merrill said more than 40 countries have taken part in international operations targeting the online sale of counterfeit and illegal medicines.

“There are a lot of victims in Newfoundland and Labrador and it’s way under-reported,” he said.

“People don’t like to report that they did something stupid. It’s just not human nature. Often it’s just $40 or $50 that people lose but if it happens to 100,000 people, it adds up.”

Merrill had simple advice for people who need prescription drugs.

“If you are going to buy drugs, buy them from a drug store,” Merrill said. “Other sources of pills are not safe.”