Fake cancer medicines seized in Makati

MANILA, Philippines — Counterfeit medicines for cancer valued at P102.57 million were seized from four people in Makati on Friday, the Philippine National Police said yesterday.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Criminal Investigation and Detection Group operatives arrested at a posh hotel the suspects, identified only as Lucia, Maria, Dina and Usman.

Nartatez said the operation was based on the complaint of a Singapore-based drug company about the counterfeit versions of its anti-cancer medicine Keytruda in the country.

The drug firm claimed that the counterfeit versions are sold in the black market for only P7,500 per vial, when the authentic anti-cancer medicines are sold between P135,000 to P200,000 for every vial in major pharmacies.

“This is not just a light offense. Fake drugs put the lives of our countrymen in danger,” Nartatez said in Filipino in a statement.

At least 400 pieces of the counterfeit cancer medication were seized from the suspects who are facing criminal cases for violation of Republic Act 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code, and RA 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act.

Nartatez urged the public to be wary of lower-priced drugs and to purchase medicines only at accredited pharmacies.