A LARGE amount of unregistered silicone implants for nose and chin augmentation plus unlisted prescription drugs were seized in a raid on a distribution centre in Bangkok, TV Channel 7 said this morning (Sep. 22).
Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) together with representatives from the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized over 10,000 illegal items to be distributed to more than 20 cosmetic clinics.
This followed a complaint that unregistered materials for cosmetic surgery were both being distributed to aesthetic clinics and sold online.
Upon getting a search warrant from Bangkok South Criminal Court to inspect the storage facility in Bangkok, the team last Friday (Sep. 19) raided it with the following items seized:
1/ 13,021 silicone nose implants;
2/ 1,404 silicone chin implants;
3/ 15 pharmaceutical products, totaling 1,192 items.
During the raid Mr. Ekkasit (surname withheld), 34, who identified himself as the manager of the facility, admitted that all the products were intended for distribution to various cosmetic clinics and sold to online customers.
He also admitted that he has been distributing these products for around three years including supplying them to medical clinics and over 20 aesthetic clinics.
According to preliminary investigation this action violates the following laws:
1/ Medical Device Act B.E. 2551 (2008)
– Selling unlicensed medical devices is punishable by up to two years imprisonment or a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both.
2/ The Drug Act B.E. 2510 (1967)
– Selling prescription drugs without a licence is punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to 10,000 baht;
– Selling unregistered drugs is punishable by up to three years imprisonment or a fine of up to 5,000 baht, or both.
Pharmacist Lertchai Lertwutthi, FDA’s deputy secretary-general, said this crackdown is a life-saving measure and ensures consumer safety.
Silicone implants, whether for the nose, forehead or chin, must undergo a special manufacturing process that ensures that they are of medical grade so that they are clean, sterile and safe for use in the human body. Cosmetic silicone implants are considered to be medical devices and must be inspected and approved by the FDA.
If medical facilities use counterfeit silicone or unregistered drugs they seriously endanger the patient’s health, including inflammation, infection, disfigurement and even death.
CAPTION:
Some of the unregistered silicone implants seized in the raid. Photo above – TV Channel 7, Front Page – FM91 Trafficpro
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