Illegal Pharmaceutical Trade: Major Seizure by Diris Lima Centro

In a significant operation targeting the illegal trade of pharmaceutical products, the Directorate of Integrated Health Networks (Diris) Lima Centro, through its Directorate of Medicines, Supplies and Drugs (DMID), seized half a ton of medicines and medical devices posing a serious risk to public health. The operation took place within a shopping gallery in Cercado de Lima.

Coordinated Effort

The intervention was a collaborative effort involving the DMID staff of Diris Lima Centro, specialists from the General Directorate of Medicines, Supplies and Drugs (Digemid) of the Ministry of Health, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (Dirincri) of the National Police of Peru, and the Deputy Management of Health and Health Promotion of the Municipality of Lima.

Unlicensed Establishments and Seized Products

Authorities identified five establishments operating as pharmacies without the necessary health authorizations or legal registrations. Inspection revealed deplorable storage conditions, failing to adhere to cold chain requirements or biosafety standards. The seized products included expired medications, medical samples intended for non-sale use, and items of questionable origin lacking proper health registration.

Detentions and Ongoing Investigations

Dirincri troops detained five individuals suspected of offenses against public health, transferring them to a police station for legal proceedings.

Continued Health Control and Surveillance

Diris Lima Centro representatives stated that these actions are part of a permanent Health Control and Surveillance Plan aimed at eliminating illegal medicine sales and ensuring citizens have access to safe and effective pharmaceutical products. Diris Lima Centro urges the public to purchase medications only from authorized pharmacies, verifying batch numbers and expiration dates.

Premises Closed, Medications Secured

The seized premises were temporarily closed, and the confiscated medications were transferred to police custody for subsequent destruction.

About Diris Lima Centro

Diris Lima Centro is an agency of the Ministry of Health (MINSA) responsible for operating, managing, and coordinating health promotion, prevention, recovery, and rehabilitation processes within the Lima Centro Integrated Health Network. It encompasses 8 hospitals, 64 first-level health establishments, and 6 specialized centers. Learn more about Diris Lima Centro.

The DIRIS Lima Centro is located at Av. Nicolás de Piérola 617 – Cercado de Lima and can be reached at (511) 207-5700. Find more information here.