Penang health officials seize 88,000 units of unregistered medicines worth RM24 million in raids on 19 premises linked to a single syndicate.
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Authorities have seized 88,000 units of unregistered health products valued at RM24 million in a major operation across Penang.
The integrated raids targeted 19 premises, leading to the arrest of five men, including two Bangladeshi nationals.
State Health Director Datuk Dr Fazilah Shaik Allaudin said the operation aimed to curb the sale of unregistered traditional medicines suspected of containing scheduled poisons.
The seizures included traditional Chinese medicines suspected of containing prohibited substances like steroids and paracetamol.
Authorities also confiscated over 500 packages of raw materials, 23,000 semi-finished products, and 36 units of medicine-processing machinery.
Thirteen of the raided premises, including factories and warehouses, were involved in the illegal activities.
Investigations indicate all premises were linked to the same syndicate network.
“Most of the products are marketed as painkillers and treatments for illnesses such as gout,” said Fazilah.
She added the products were sold online and in shops for an estimated RM20 per box.
Ministry of Health Pharmacy Enforcement Division director Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said manufacturing had been ongoing since 2020.
He said the syndicate dispersed production across multiple locations to evade detection.
A 34-year-old local man has been identified as the mastermind coordinating operations.
Authorities are tracking several more individuals believed to be linked to the syndicate.
The largest facility, raided in Simpang Ampat, accounted for the bulk of the seizure value.
“The syndicate is believed to have also used the facility to produce medicines intended for export to Vietnam,” Mohd Zawawi said.
Although registered as processing facilities, they lacked a licence to manufacture medicines.
He warned that such medicines can cause serious harm to internal organs, particularly the kidneys.
Inspections revealed the same ingredients were used across different products under varying labels.
The operation was conducted by the Penang Health Department with police and the Inland Revenue Board.
Investigations are ongoing under the Drug and Cosmetic Control Regulations 1984 and the Poisons Act 1952.
