P700-M fake drugs seized in Binondo

MANILA, Philippines - At least P700 million worth of smuggled and counterfeit drugs were seized by government agents from a warehouse in Binondo, Manila, an official said yesterday.

Among the fake medicine and health supplements confiscated were sex enhancement drugs, slimming capsules, slimming teas, anti-itch creams, cough syrups and fish liver oil.

The Bureau of Customs-led operation was done in coordination with Port of Manila district collector Rogel Gatchalian, the National Bureau of Investigation and the Intellectual Property Office.

Gatchalian said he issued a warrant of seizure and detention on July 10 after discovering that the counterfeit drugs, some of them smuggled from China and Korea, were being repacked at the warehouse on Roman street.

He said the seized goods will be destroyed.