MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation–Dangerous Drugs Division (NBI-DDD) arrested two individuals in Tondo, Manila for allegedly selling unregistered pharmaceutical products marketed for weight-related conditions.

The operation stemmed from information provided by a confidential informant regarding the sale and distribution of “Tirzepatide,” which authorities said is not registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The NBI said its agents conducted online surveillance after receiving the tip, which led to the identification of several social media pages offering the product for sale.

Undercover agents then posed as buyers and contacted a Facebook account advertising the drug. A test-buy was conducted, which confirmed its illegal sale, the NBI said.

At the request of the bureau, the FDA issued a certification confirming that the product is unregistered.

A buy-bust operation was later carried out, resulting in the arrest of the suspects while allegedly in the act of selling the product. Authorities also confiscated Tirzepatide worth P310,000.

Charges were filed for violations of Section 10 (j) of Republic Act No. 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, in relation to Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

NBI Director Atty. Melvin A. Matibag commended the operatives involved in the operation and warned the public against purchasing unregistered drugs online, citing possible health and safety risks.

He also reiterated the agency’s commitment to intensifying efforts against the sale and distribution of unregistered products in order to protect public health and safety.