NBI arrests 2 alleged online sellers of COVID-19 test kits

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday said it has arrested two individuals who allegedly sold COVID-19 antibody test kits online.

Agents arrested one Shanon April Mejia Alegre and one Esseline Raisa Sy Ong in Parañaque City last May 14 and seized 200 boxes of test kits worth P2.4 million, the NBI said.

After the NBI identified the alleged online sellers on May 13, a poseur customer ordered 200 boxes worth P12,000 each and agreed to pick them up in a house in BF Homes.

Operatives and representatives from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) went to the pickup point the following day and were invited by Alegre to the garage where the test kit boxes labeled "Wondfo SARS-COV-2 Antibody Test (Lateral Flow Method)" were placed, the NBI said.

They were then invited into the house, where they arrested the two as soon as Ong received the payment, the bureau said.

The NBI said Alegre and Ong failed to show a license to operate when asked by the FDA representatives. An FDA certification also stated online sellers do not have a license or special certification to sell and distribute the test kits, the bureau said.

Criminal charges will be filed against the two.

The FDA prohibits the online selling of FDA-certified COVID-19 antibody test kits.

The FDA has also said test kits are strictly for medical professional use and not for personal use. Test kits should be acquired by the public from licensed hospitals or drug stores or pharmacies through a prescription from a licensed physician.

Tests should be administered by a doctor or a trained health professional. Results must be interpreted by a doctor, according to the FDA. — Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/BM, GMA News