Simultaneous raids hit 29 pharmacies across Lima
Peruvian health authorities shut down 18 pharmacies across Lima during a simultaneous enforcement sweep targeting illegal drug sales, according to the Ministry of Health (Minsa). Inspectors seized expired, improperly stored, and uncertified medical devices meant for dental use.
Digemid and Diris target Comas, Chorrillos, Ate, and Cercado
The Dirección General de Medicamentos, Insumos y Drogas (Digemid), operating in coordination with the Direcciones de Redes Integradas de Salud (Diris) of Metropolitan Lima, inspected a total of 29 pharmaceutical establishments. According to Minsa, the simultaneous inspections took place in the districts of Comas, Chorrillos, Ate, and the Cercado de Lima.
Confiscated goods reveal widespread regulatory violations
Inspectors uncovered widespread regulatory violations during the operation. Authorities confiscated medications and dental medical devices that were expired, kept in inadequate storage conditions, lacking sanitary registry numbers, or originating from unknown sources. Minsa stated via its official social media channels that these actions form part of ongoing sanitary surveillance efforts designed to protect consumers from substandard health products.
Virtual reporting platform opens channels for public complaints
Consumers who suspect or detect the illegal commercialization of medicines, medical devices, or sanitary products can file a report with Digemid. According to regulatory guidance, citizens can utilize the virtual reporting platform for illegal commerce maintained by the agency.
The reporting system allows individuals to flag establishments operating without sanitary authorization or those selling products that are:
- Counterfeit or falsified
- Expired or past their shelf life
- Lacking a valid sanitary registry
- Of unknown origin or provenance
- Featuring adulterated labeling
- Compromised by poor storage conditions
Anonymous and formal reporting guidelines established
Reports can be submitted anonymously or formally. Anonymous complaints do not require personal contact details, though the submitter will not receive updates regarding subsequent enforcement actions. Formal complaints require contact information, allowing the authority to share the outcome of the investigation with the petitioner.
Digemid advises citizens to include detailed information to assist investigators, such as the specific brand or name of the medication, the commercial name of the establishment, the exact street address, and supporting visual evidence like photographs when available.
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