14 September 2005
BFAD posts test-buyers to catch counterfeit drugs
MEMBERS of a syndicate involved in the distribution and sale of counterfeit and fake medicines are now on the run following the arrest of a drug store owner from Alaminos City September 2 during a raid conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Bureau of Food and Drugs of the Department of Health.
Julie Galang de Guzman, 34, a native of barangay Lasip, Calasiao, owner-proprietor of the Cristia Med Drug Store in Alaminos City, was the first store owner and the fifth suspect so far arrested by lawmen in their campaign against counterfeit and fake medicines.
Two other women were arrested by the Calasiao police in early August, and an Indian national and his driver were nabbed two weeks later by the National Bureau of Investigation in Dagupan City.
All the suspects were also charged with violation of the anti-drugs law because among the counterfeit medicines found in their possession were several tablets of the regulated drug valium, a sedative.
Dr. Reynaldo Jacinto, chief of the standard and regulations division of the BFAD regional office based in San Fernando City, La Union, said more drugstores in Region 1 that may be keeping the counterfeit medicines in their shelves are now under surveillance by a roving team from his office.
Pangasinan was tagged earlier by Department of Health Regional Director Eduardo Janairo as the favorite dumping ground of counterfeit and fake medicines believed originating from Region III and Metro Manila.
Jacinto said over a local radio station Sunday that his office has fielded over 200 trusted informants all over the province who are conducting test-buys in various drugstores suspected of selling counterfeit and or fake medicines.
Stressing that he had long warned the drug store owners not to patronize peddlers of counterfeit and fake medicines, Jacinto said the drive against these products will continue whoever will be hurt.
He said in this campaign, pharmacists employed by drug stores should help detect counterfeit and or fake drugs and not be in cahoots with those who make a profit from these commodities. They should advise their employers to desist from selling these products or they will be prosecuted too, along with their employer, he stressed.
Julie Galang de Guzman, 34, a native of barangay Lasip, Calasiao, owner-proprietor of the Cristia Med Drug Store in Alaminos City, was the first store owner and the fifth suspect so far arrested by lawmen in their campaign against counterfeit and fake medicines.
Two other women were arrested by the Calasiao police in early August, and an Indian national and his driver were nabbed two weeks later by the National Bureau of Investigation in Dagupan City.
All the suspects were also charged with violation of the anti-drugs law because among the counterfeit medicines found in their possession were several tablets of the regulated drug valium, a sedative.
Dr. Reynaldo Jacinto, chief of the standard and regulations division of the BFAD regional office based in San Fernando City, La Union, said more drugstores in Region 1 that may be keeping the counterfeit medicines in their shelves are now under surveillance by a roving team from his office.
Pangasinan was tagged earlier by Department of Health Regional Director Eduardo Janairo as the favorite dumping ground of counterfeit and fake medicines believed originating from Region III and Metro Manila.
Jacinto said over a local radio station Sunday that his office has fielded over 200 trusted informants all over the province who are conducting test-buys in various drugstores suspected of selling counterfeit and or fake medicines.
Stressing that he had long warned the drug store owners not to patronize peddlers of counterfeit and fake medicines, Jacinto said the drive against these products will continue whoever will be hurt.
He said in this campaign, pharmacists employed by drug stores should help detect counterfeit and or fake drugs and not be in cahoots with those who make a profit from these commodities. They should advise their employers to desist from selling these products or they will be prosecuted too, along with their employer, he stressed.
