Operation targets illegal trade in weight-loss pens in Rio de Janeiro

The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro launched, this Monday (1st), an operation against the illegal sale of weight loss medicines in the state capital. A suspect was identified through advertisements for the drugs on messaging apps.

The operation, carried out by civil police officers from the DRF (Robbery and Theft Police Station), carries out search and seizure warrants at addresses in Ramos, in the North zone of Rio, and in Vargem Pequena, in the Southwest zone.

According to the Civil Police, the objective is to stop the irregular sale of medicines, which were being offered and sold without sanitary control and outside regulatory standards.

Agents seek to seize medicines, packaging, commercial records, electronic devices and other materials to further investigations. The images obtained by CNN Brasil show some of the medicines found in the action:

Man advertised and sold weight-loss medicines through messaging apps - Disclosure
How sales work
The investigation into the case began after information that a man advertised and sold, through messaging apps, weight-loss medicines without proof of origin, without complying with health requirements and without authorization.

It was possible** to identify the person responsible for the published advertisements** and gather elements that indicate the continued practice of this sale. The published advertisements mentioned immediate availability, disclosed prices and stock maintenance, typical characteristics of a continuous activity.

Among the medicines offered were tirzepatide and retatrutida, high-value medicines that require a prescription and medical monitoring. In one of the publications, the criminal guaranteed that his product did not have the lowest value, but would have the best effect on the consumer's body.

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*Under the supervision of Carolina Figueiredo

Source: CNN