The increasing prevalence of unregistered medicines being sold online has prompted grave concern within the Food and Drug Administration.
With public health at risk, the swift and decisive action of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group prevented this emerging threat from escalating further.
In a well-coordinated operation conducted at around 12:45 AM on February 8, CIDG agents successfully apprehended suspects – Jin Feng Hu, 44, and Lou Yi Quan, 59.
According to CIDG chief PBGen. Nicolas Torre III, the arrests followed weeks of intensive surveillance and intelligence-gathering on the illicit online trade of unregistered medicines.
Once the sources were identified, CIDG agents wasted no time in setting up an entrapment operation.
The swift move led to the seizure of several cartons containing highly dangerous, unauthorized pharmaceuticals that had not received FDA approval.
Torre disclosed that FDA experts flagged some of the confiscated medicines as potentially lethal, with improper dosage posing fatal risks to consumers.
Public health must be protected at all costs, Torre emphasized, as he announced that charges are being prepared against the suspects for multiple violations of FDA regulations and national laws.
Philippine National Police chief PGen. Rommel Marbil commended the CIDG for their efficiency and vigilance, praising the operation as a vital step in safeguarding the public from harmful substances.
Their quick action protected countless citizens from the dangers of these illegal drugs, Marbil said.
This successful operation underscores the continuing commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat the illegal trade of unregistered medicines and uphold the health and safety of every Filipino
The two police officials are calling on the public to remain vigilant and report similar suspicious activities to protect the nation from health threats posed by these dangerous substances.
