Two individuals in Manila were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for selling unregistered “Tirzepatide” drugs being offered to buyers with weight-related conditions.
The NBI-Dangerous Drugs Division (NBI-DDD) received information from one of their informants about the suspects selling the drug that is not registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within the Manila area. Through online surveillance, agents found several social media pages selling Tirzepatide and were able to buy the drug.
The agents then requested certification from the FDA and confirmed that the drug that was bought online was unregistered.
A buy-bust operation was conducted by NBI-DDD agents in Tondo, Manila, who posed as buyers, which resulted in the arrest of the suspects in the act of selling the drugs, and the seizure of Tirzepatide worth P310,000. The suspects were charged for violations of Section 10 (j) of Republic Act No. 9711 (Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009) in relation to RA No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) and RA No. 7394 (Consumer Act of the Philippines).
NBI Director Melvin Matibag reminded the public to exercise caution and vigilance when purchasing drugs online and avoid buying unregistered drugs, highlighting the potential health hazards and serious safety risks that such substances can cause.