P102.5M worth of fake cancer medicine seized, 4 suspects arrested in Makati

At least P102.5 million worth of counterfeit medicine was seized in an entrapment operation that led to the arrest of four suspects at a hotel in Makati City on Friday.

With an estimated market value of P102,577,500, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday said CIDG operatives seized 400 pieces of fake cancer medicine labeled “Keytruda 100 mg/4 ml."

The four suspects are currently in police custody and will face charges for violating the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

“Hindi biro ang ganitong krimen. Ang pagbebenta ng pekeng gamot ay direktang naglalagay sa panganib ng buhay ng ating mga kababayan. We will not allow these illegal activities to thrive,” said PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. 

(These kinds of crimes aren’t a joke. The sale of fake medicine directly places the lives of our countrymen at risk. We will not allow these illegal activities to thrive.)

“Sa ating mga kababayan, be cautious and discerning when buying products, lalo na kung may kinalaman sa kalusugan. Huwag basta magtitiwala sa mga kahina-hinalang transaksyon. At sa mga gumagawa nito, this is our warning—hindi kayo makakalusot. Mananagot kayo sa batas,” he added.

(To our countrymen, be cautious and discerning when buying products, especially for those related to health. Don’t just trust in suspicious transactions. And to those who are doing this, this is our warning—you won’t be able to escape. You will answer to the law.) —VBL, GMA News