Manila: The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has apprehended two Chinese nationals for their alleged involvement in the sale of unregistered medicines in Metro Manila. The suspects, identified as Hu and Quan, were captured during a buy-bust operation conducted by the CIDG-Detective and Special Operations Unit at Concorde Village, Tambo, Para±aque City, shortly after midnight on Saturday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the operation led to the confiscation of various unregistered pharmaceutical products. The items seized included two boxes of OTC 999 – Ganmaoling Keli, 20 boxes of Glucophage – Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-release tablets, two boxes of Amlodepine Besilate tablets, three boxes of Linou – Gliclazide tablets, two boxes of OTC – Longdan Xiegan pills, four boxes of Zhibai Dihuang pills, one box of Bear Bile powder, 12 boxes of Diamicron – Gliclazide tablets, and 16 boxes of Bayaspirin – Aspirin Enteric-coated tablets. The estimated market value of these unregistered medicines is PHP15,000.
The suspects are set to face charges for violating Section 11 of Republic Act 9711 (FDA Act of 2009), which prohibits the manufacturing, importation, export, sale, distribution, and transfer of unregistered drugs. CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre has called on the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the sale of unregistered medicines, stating, “We will enforce all laws to protect the health of the public and help strengthen the pharmaceutical sector.”
In a separate development, the Quezon City Police District reported the arrest of 218 suspects in a series of operations conducted from February 2 to 8. These operations included 50 anti-drug raids resulting in the apprehension of 64 wanted individuals, 74 gamblers, 75 drug suspects, and five individuals for illegal possession of firearms. The operations also led to the seizure of illegal drugs valued at PHP2.06 million.
Additionally, the National Capital Region Office announced that their sustained anti-crime efforts during the first week of February resulted in the capture of Metro Manila’s 10 most wanted fugitives. Among those arrested were the No. 1 most wanted person, alias Ryan, for murder, and others charged with crimes including murder, rape, acts of lasciviousness, and frustrated murder.
