Fake Pharmaceutical Brands Found in Paranaque, Bureau of Customs Seize Stash

On Tuesday, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced that it has seized numerous counterfeits of medicine brands amounting to ₱30 million as COVID-19 cases in the country continue to surge and supply is slowly becoming limited. The operation was conducted in cooperation with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), the Intelligence Service Armed Forces Of the Philippines (ISAFP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Biogesic, Neozep, Bioflu, Immunpro, Ivermectin, Phenokinon F Injection, Medicol, Planax, Alaxan FR, and MX3 were among the brand names that were found to have had fake replications after they were certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The medicines were also packaged in cartons that had tags with Chinese characters on them, which were stored in separate locations found in Paranaque City: 7434B and 7434C Highland St., Marcelo Green Village as well as 27 Pearl St., Severina Subdivision, Km 18, Brgy. Marcelo.

A suspect has likewise been identified. Adel Rajput, a 32-year old Pakistani residing in Caloocan City, was taken into custody after the operation. Rajput has since been brought to the Paranaque City Prosecutors’ Office where he will be charged with various cases for violating Unlawful Importation/Exportation as well as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

“We received reports about the presence of counterfeit items. It’s not just items, but medicines. We acted on this immediately because this can pose a health threat. They are selling these to unsuspecting people whose only hope is to buy authentic medicines for themselves and their loved ones,” explained Customs Deputy Commission of Intelligence Group Raniel Ramiro.

The fake medicines have already been transported to the BOC premises where they are currently being inspected. A similar stash worth ₱50 million was found on November 24 at a warehouse located in Pasig City.

“It is sad how these criminals are using the pandemic for their own gain, especially when it comes to medicines. These are medicines that people thought will relieve them of their pain, their conditions. It is unforgivable that these individuals are using people’s desperation to earn money,” remarked Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero.

Source: GMA News