OPERATIVES of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested a Chinese businessman for allegedly selling unregistered veterinary medicines and vitamins estimated at P3 million in Digos City, Davao del Norte.
In a statement yesterday, the CIDG named the suspect only as alias Wei, who was nabbed last May 31 in Casa Patrocinio, Luna-Bataan, Barangay Aplaya in Digos City.
The CIDG said Wei was caught in the act of trading and selling veterinary medicines and vitamins for animals, all bearing Chinese labels, without the required permits or licenses from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Seized from the suspect’s possession were unregistered veterinary products and vitamins for animals and other related evidence estimated to be worth P3 million.
The CIDG said the suspect was charged before the National Prosecution Service with violations of Republic Act 9711 (FDA Act of 2009), Republic Act 9268 (Veterinary Medicine Act), and Republic Act 1556 (Livestock and Poultry Feeds Act) “for the unlawful sale, distribution, and possession of unregistered agricultural and veterinary products.”
“With the arrest of this foreign national suspect and the confiscation of these unregistered veterinary products, we significantly prevented the potential health risks that these unregulated products may cause to the public and animals and made him accountable for his alleged violation of the law,” said CIDG officer-in-charge Col. Ranie Hachuela.
He reiterated that the CIDG remains proactive in the campaign against criminals regardless of their nationality.
“We remind consumers to be cautious in purchasing health, beauty, agricultural and veterinary products, particularly with foreign labels,” Hachuela said.
“Always verify with the FDA and other concerned agencies if products are properly registered or certified. We urge the public to report any illegal activities in their localities and the CIDG will do the rest,” added Hachuela.
