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CIDG arrests 10 online sellers, seizes P9M worth of unauthorized COVID rapid test kits

Philippines | National

CIDG arrests 10 online sellers, seizes P9M worth of unauthorized COVID rapid test kits

By Aaron Recuenco

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested 10 people who were allegedly selling medical kits that are being marketed as devices to detect the presence of the coronavirus in a raid in Quezon City on Tuesday, April 13.

(JANSEN ROMERO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

CIDG director Maj. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro said the group allegedly headed by Marize Santiago was connected to a Chinese online selling group which offer unauthorized rapid kit tests for the coronavirus disease.

He said the operation started when a police poseur buyer was able to contact the suspects and negotiated for the purchase of a rapid test kit amounting to P204,000.

“An entrapment was immediately conducted which resulted in their arrest as soon as they received the marked money,” said Ferro, adding that operation was conducted in Barangay South Triangle on Tuesday morning.

“During operation, our operatives also confiscated some P9 million worth of unauthorized rapid test kit. The suspects failed to show to the operatives their License To Operate or special permit to sell and distribute the test kits,” he added.

Ferro said the operation is part of the efforts of the national police to run after those who take advantage of the pandemic to earn money by illegally marketing medical devices through illegal online selling websites being catered by unauthorized online sellers of COVID 19 rapid test kit.

He said the medical devices include Joinstar, Clungene rapid test kit, Innovita antibody test, Sanli disposable virus specimen and Wondfo rapid test kit.

The suspects, according to Ferro, are now facing a case of violation of the Republic Act 9711 or Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 in relation to FDA Circular No. 2020-016 or the prohibition of Online selling of FDA Certified COVID-19 Antibody Test Kit.

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