Counterfeit drugs worth P700 million seized in Binondo raid

Customs Commissioner Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities on Thursday seized some P700 million worth of fake medicines and health supplements during a raid on a warehouse in Binondo, Manila.

The raid on the warehouse along Roman Street was conducted by operatives from the Bureau of Customs, Intellectual Property Office and National Bureau of Investigation.

Among the fake medicines and health supplement seized by the operatives were about 60,000 tablets and capsules of Viagra Happy Hour, a sex enhancement medicine; 132,000 capsules with Maitong brand; over 60,000 Ballet Dancer slimming capsules;  slimming tea; anti-itch creams; cough syrups; and fish liver oils.

Authorities said they were still trying to determine the country of origin of the fake goods.

According to Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon, they enforced a warrant of seizure and detention for the contrabands following a thorough investigation and surveillance which confirmed earlier reports that the medicines and health supplements were not only smuggled, but were also counterfeit goods.

“Had these fake medicines and supplements been sold in the local market, the risks it posed could have been really alarming,” Biazon said, noting that the medicines were not certified by the government to be safe for human consumption.