Selangor Health Department seizes over 500 types of unregistered drugs containing anabolic steroids in coordinated operation targeting five premises.
BANGI: Health authorities have seized unregistered drugs containing anabolic steroids worth RM3 million in coordinated raids across Selangor.
The Selangor Health Department and Pharmacy Enforcement Division targeted five premises including locations in Bandar Puteri Bangi and Klang.
Pharmacy Enforcement Division director Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said the operation began at 9 am and uncovered storage sites for unregistered drugs sold through social media.
“The premises were used as storage sites for unregistered drugs sold through social media platforms,” he told reporters after raiding a condominium unit in Bandar Puteri Bangi.
He confirmed the premises are believed to be linked to one another, with some customers purchasing products directly from these locations.
The operation resulted in several arrests including a married couple in their 30s.
Mohd Zawawi stated the drugs were likely smuggled into Malaysia for local market distribution.
Most seized items were injectable steroids priced between RM100 and RM500 per unit.
Unregulated steroid injections can cause serious side effects including skin thinning and elevated blood sugar levels.
Excessive use may also lead to high blood pressure, hormonal disturbances, and infections.
Uncontrolled steroid use can cause facial swelling, mood changes, and damage to vital organs like the liver and kidneys.
Selling or possessing unregistered drugs violates Regulation 7(1)(a) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
Individuals convicted under Section 12 of the Sale of Drugs Act 1952 face fines up to RM25,000 or three years imprisonment.
Companies may be fined up to RM50,000 for similar offences.
Mohd Zawawi urged the public to verify health product registration status through the NPRA website’s Product Search section.
He encouraged reporting suspicious products through the Public Complaints Management System at http://moh.spab.gov.my.
Reports can also be made at any Pharmaceutical Enforcement Branch or by calling 03-7841 3200. – Bernama
