The arrested individuals were illegally distributing medicines and aesthetic medicine products, along with two other investigated persons. The Civil Guard began the investigation a year ago after locating various packages at the Vitoria airport containing medicines and health products primarily from South Korea and Vietnam.
Among these products, they found doses of botox, hyaluronic acid, and medications indicated for diabetes treatment, some of which were improperly used for weight loss. The products were imported into Spain without health authorization and without respecting the required transport and conservation conditions, particularly the cold chain necessary to ensure their safety and efficacy. This posed a significant risk to patients and consumers.
Among those involved are individuals without healthcare training and also registered professionals who allegedly performed treatments using illegal products in hair salons, unauthorized aesthetic centers, or even private residences.
The investigation has resulted in the arrest of nine people and the investigation of two others for alleged crimes against public health and, in some cases, professional intrusion. Bizkaia saw four arrests and two investigations, with two more arrests in Barcelona, another two in Las Palmas, and one in Asturias, in addition to searches in several municipalities.
Following actions at the Gasteiz airport, the Judicial Police of the Civil Guard in Araba conducted various searches in properties and premises linked to the investigated activity. As a result of searches across several Autonomous Communities, approximately 10,000 units of illegally sourced botulinum toxin ready for use and over 200 vials of hyaluronic acid introduced outside authorized channels were located. More than 115,000 euros, allegedly proceeds from treatments performed outside health controls, were also seized.
Health authorities have warned of the serious danger of undergoing aesthetic procedures performed by unqualified personnel or in unauthorized establishments, using untraceable products acquired online or through illicit distribution networks. Administering botox under non-sterile conditions or with unauthorized products can cause severe infections, severe allergic reactions, facial paralysis, or permanent sequelae, hence the recommendation to exclusively attend authorized centers.
