Five Premises Raided, Over RM3 Mln Worth Of Unregistered Drugs Seized

BANGI, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- More than 500 types of unregistered drugs containing anabolic steroids worth RM3 million were seized today in a joint operation by the Selangor Health Department and the Pharmacy Enforcement Division of the Health Ministry (MOH).

MOH Pharmacy Enforcement Division director Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said the raids, which began at 9 am, targeted five premises including in Bandar Puteri Bangi and Klang.

“The premises were used as storage sites for unregistered drugs sold through social media platforms. They are believed to be linked to one another, and some customers were found to have purchased the products directly from these locations,” he told reporters after a raid on a condominium unit in Bandar Puteri Bangi.

Mohd Zawawi said the operation also led to the arrest of several individuals, including a married couple in their 30s.

“The drugs were believed to have been smuggled into Malaysia for sale in the local market. Most of the seized items were injectable steroids sold at prices ranging from RM100 to RM500,” he added.

The use of unregulated steroid injections can cause serious side effects such as skin thinning, elevated blood sugar levels, high blood pressure and hormonal disturbances when used excessively or repeatedly.

Uncontrolled use may also lead to infections, facial swelling (moon face), mood changes and damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.

Selling or possessing unregistered drugs is an offence under Regulation 7(1)(a) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, punishable under Section 12 of the Sale of Drugs Act 1952.

Individuals convicted may face a fine of up to RM25,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, while companies may be fined up to RM50,000.

Mohd Zawawi urged the public to verify the registration status of health products before purchasing them through the NPRA website at www.npra.gov.my under the “Product Search” section.

He further encouraged members of the public to report suspicious products or the sale of unregistered drugs through the Public Complaints Management System (SisPAA) at http://moh.spab.gov.my, at any nearby Pharmaceutical Enforcement Branch, or by calling 03-7841 3200.

-- BERNAMA