PNP busts online drug pharmacy in Tarlac

Police on Monday claimed to have busted an online pharmacy operation following a raid on a call center in Tarlac province on Sunday.

 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said its anti-cybercrime unit arrested six people and seized several electronic items, drugs and firearms in the raid.

 

According to the PNP's Facebook post, arrested and facing charges for violating Republic Act 8484 (Access Devices Regulation Act) were:

 

Ryan Artzen Poblacio

John Poblacio

Fred Panuncio

Noelito Asuncion

Allan Abarquez

Joan Serrano.

 

The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group’s Response Team (CRT) along with Central Luzon regional police served a search warrant on No. 14 F. Timbol Street, San Jose, Concepcion, Tarlac.

 

Seized in the raid were bank passbooks, documents, identification cards, mobile phones, laptops, network devices, desktop computers, and cards believed to be used in the online pharmacy's activities.

 

Also confiscated were a sachet containing suspected residue of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), foil and pipe; and cal-.45 and cal-.38 handguns, ammunition, shells, an air gun rifle, a shotgun and a hand grenade.

 

PNP ACG head Superintendent Gilbert Sosa said the operation stemmed from reports received by his office regarding the growing problem regarding the distribution of fake or generic drugs advertised on the Internet and through online pharmacy websites of Atzen Global Services Incorporation (AGSI).

 

Investigation showed AGSI is not authorized or licensed to sell, distribute or transfer drugs from the Food and Drug Administration. — TJD, GMA News