P2-M unregistered beauty products seized in QC

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities arrested seven people and seized P2 million worth of unregistered beauty products in simultaneous raids in Quezon City yesterday.

Armed with search warrants issued by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 82 Judge Lyn Ebora-Cacha, officers from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), raided two houses in Barangays Paltok and Bahay Toro at around 11:30 a.m.

Four people were arrested in Barangay Bahay Toro: Mylene de Vera, Rommel de Vera, Mark Adrian Roces and Jeffrey Oserio. The subject of the search warrant, Michelle Cablayan, was not present.

The other three were caught in Paltok village. They are Lilian Marte, who was the subject of the search warrant, Daniel Castillo and Viel Anjoe Somidos.

QCPD director Chief Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar said they found out the suspects were selling unregistered product following a test buy in November last year.

Police bought the products such as whitening injectables online and brought them to the FDA for examination.

“We found out the beauty  products are not registered with the FDA,” Eleazar said in a phone interview.

The problem, Eleazar said, is the products could have been sold to people who are unaware that what they bought are illegal.

“It’s dangerous because these products are not licensed by the FDA,” he said, noting the potential side effects from using unlicensed beauty products.

Eleazar added the suspects also do not have the licenses to operate a business.

The suspects are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration Act.