P1.5-M medicines smuggled from China seized

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Sunday warned the public against using medicines without clearance from health authorities. The bureau issued the warning after it seized P1.5 million worth of smuggled medicines from China during a raid on a clinic reportedly being used as a makeshift COVID-19 clinic in Tramo, Pasay City, on Jan. 14. “[We] appeal to the public [to refrain] from seeking treatment from fly-by-night clinics that may cause further health risks,” the BOC said in a statement. The raid was held in coordination with agents of the Philippine Coast Guard and National Bureau of Investigation, the BOC said. Among the medicines confiscated during the raid include Ribavirin injection, which is reportedly used for treatment of pneumonia and bronchitis, prompting authorities to suspect that the clinic was treating COVID-related cases. “Investigation is also under way to identify those responsible in operating the makeshift clinic,” the BOC added. —Tina G. Santos