The Ministry of Health (Minsa) announced on March 25 that approximately 10 tons of illegal medicines and medical devices were seized, and 323 pharmacies were closed as a result of joint operations led by the General Directorate of Medicines, Supplies and Drugs (Digemid). These efforts were coordinated with regional health authorities, integrated health networks in Lima, and the National Police.
These operations took place across all regions in the country. Vanessa Brigada, head of Digemid’s Anti-Illegal Trade Team, said: “Estos operativos realizados en todas las regiones del país fueron posibles gracias a los trabajos preliminares de investigación que se realizan en conjunto con la Policía Nacional del Perú, lo que nos han permitido ingresar a 1558 farmacias, boticas y establecimientos dedicados a la venta de medicamentos y dispositivos médicos, de los cuales 323 han sido cerrados desde noviembre de 2025 hasta la fecha.”
Brigada explained that several closed establishments lacked proper sanitary authorization to operate. Others were commercial premises not authorized to sell prescription medicines or medical devices. In some cases, no responsible pharmaceutical chemist was present at the time of inspection.
During these actions, authorities detained nineteen people for allegedly committing crimes against public health by selling counterfeit or expired medicines. The confiscated products included items without sanitary registration, prohibited medical samples for sale, and goods in poor condition that could endanger public health.
Brigada said: “Vanessa Brigada resaltó que estos operativos y acciones de fiscalización se vienen realizando de manera permanente a nivel nacional con el fin de contribuir a que nuestra población acceda a medicamentos de calidad, seguros y eficaces.” She also reminded the public that trafficking illegal medicines is punishable by prison sentences ranging from four to fifteen years.
She concluded by urging citizens to report cases of illegal medicine sales through Digemid’s website (www.digemid.minsa.gob.pe), emphasizing community involvement in combating threats to public health.
