CIDG to go after illegal traders of Ivermectin
THE Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has joined the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in going after persons involved in the illegal sale and distribution of Ivermectin products in the country.
PNP-CIDG director, Major General Albert Ignatius D. Ferro said he has ordered his men in Metro Manila and the rest of the country to identify and arrest who will be found manufacturing, selling and distributing the drug which has been cited by some lawmakers as a cure for COVID-19.
The FDA had said it has not approved the sale and distribution of the unregistered anti-parasite drug and its use to counter the deadly virus since the FDA approval is for animal use only.
The FDA has required local government units and different law enforcement agencies to ensure that Ivermectin will not be sold nor used in their respective areas of responsibilities.
In response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive last March 24 and in coordination with the FDA, the PNP-CIDG was ordered by PNP chief, General Debold M. Sinas to monitor the dispensation and use of Ivermectin across the country as well as conduct investigation and intensify police operations against any violations of Republic Act 9711 or the Food and Drugs Administration Act of 2009 and of the FDA’s Compassionate Special Permit (CSP).
Ferro said they will be going after those who will violate the said provisions specifically on fake, unregistered/unlicensed, and no permit on the sales and distribution of the said drugs.
“We strongly advise the public to seek professional help and opinion before using the said drug and buy only from authorized sources. We also encourage them to report any illegal dispense and use of the said medicine,” the official said.
