P1-M worth of unregistered COVID-19 test kits seized; 2 suspects nabbed

Police authorities on Tuesday seized 7,700 unregistered COVID-19 test kits worth around P1 million and arrested two suspects during an entrapment operation in Navotas City.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), authorities arrested 40-year-old Chinese trader Liset Lo Kaw and 23-year-old Christian Casanova Cruz at an operation in Barangay San Rafael Village.

PNP chief Police General Debold Sinas said the suspects, alleged leaders of a criminal group, were brought to the Quezon City District Field Unit office for documentation.

The PNP also retrieved 154 boxes that each contained 50 pieces of CLUNGENE rapid test kits as well as marked money amounting to P436,000.

“We remind the public to be vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious online transactions. We cannot discount the risks associated with unauthorized medical products that could possibly endanger public health,” Sinas said in a statement.

“Also, we encourage those who are engaged in food or health product businesses to get pertinent legal documents from the FDA to avoid conflict with the law,” he added.

The PNP said the operation stemmed from information shared by the Food and Drug Administration. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News