By MB Online
Some P40 million worth of Chinese medicines claiming to be a cure for the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), personal protective equipment (PPEs), and medical supplies were seized from a warehouse in Manila by a joint team from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
(BOC-Intelligence Group / MANILA BULLETIN)
The BOC-Intelligence Group—Intelligence Investigation Service (IG-CIIS) reported that the raid was conducted at 10:45 a.m. of May 1 at a warehouse in Singalong in Malate, Manila.
Accompanied by the NBI-Special Action Unit and backed by personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the team served the Letter of Authority (LOA) to conduct the raid.
The LOA was reportedly received by a representative of the warehouse.
During the raid, operatives found and seized boxes of PPEs, surgical masks, medicines, and medical supplies.
The warehouse representative was invited to the NBI headquarters to explain the presence of these items in their warehouse.
Investigation is now ongoing to determine whether or not the seized items were smuggled into the country to be sold illegally.
The seized confiscated medicine, which was labeled as “cure” for COVID-19, is not approved by the Food and Drug Authority, the BOC report said.