Authorities tightened their campaign against the illegal sale of unregistered pharmaceuticals after a Quezon City operation led to the arrest of a suspect allegedly caught distributing abortion-related medicines in an online-linked buy-bust.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Women and Children Complaint Unit (WCCU) intercepted the illegal distribution of unregistered pharmaceutical products allegedly used for abortion during an operation in Quezon City on April 30, 2026.
The CIDG-WCCU conducted a targeted buy-bust operation at approximately 8 pm along 18th Avenue, Brgy. San Roque, Cubao. The operation resulted in the arrest of a 30-year-old male suspect identified as “Mar,” a resident of Quiapo, Manila.
Recovered from the suspect were several unregistered health products, including six tablets of Prosotec (Misoprostol 200 mcg), four tablets of Medione (Menadione Sodium 10 mg), and six unlabeled white tablets contained in transparent plastic.
The operation was launched following a tip-off received by the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) Helpline regarding a Messenger chat group dedicated to discussing abortion and the illicit sale of related medications. Following a thorough validation and investigation, the CIDG operatives successfully caught the suspect delivering the ordered medicines to a poseur-buyer.
CIDG Director Police Maj. Gen. Robert AA Morico II emphasized that the suspect failed to present any authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to sell or distribute the products, which were also confirmed as unregistered.
Under Republic Act No. 9711 (Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Act of 2009), the sale and distribution of any health product without proper FDA authorization is strictly prohibited.
The CIDG director said the operation highlights the importance of public reporting and inter-agency coordination in addressing online-linked illegal activities.
“This operation is a testament to the power of citizens reporting the illegal activity of the messenger group, and the coordination between the WCPC and CIDG,” he said. “We encourage everyone to continue helping us identify and dismantle online groups involved in these illegal activities.”
The CIDG also commended the WCCU led by Police Lt. Col. Arjun Luig for the successful operation, noting that it helped prevent the possible circulation of unsafe and unregulated medicines that could endanger users, particularly women exposed to such products.
Officials said the operation not only disrupted illegal trade but also helped avert potential health risks linked to the use of untested pharmaceutical products.
Authorities said they will continue tracking and dismantling online groups involved in the sale of unregistered medicines and other illegal operations, urging the public to report similar activities as part of ongoing efforts to protect public safety.