The National Police and health inspectors from Barcelona and L'Hospitalet de Llobregat dismantled at the end of February a network for the illegal sale of harmful products in supermarkets in both cities. The actions focused on the removal of merchandise dangerous to public health and the arrest of two direct managers.
Agents seized 216 shakes containing sildenafil and tadalafil, active ingredients that require medical supervision due to their cardiovascular risks. The total volume of this adulterated liquid reached 60 liters distributed in the inspected establishments.
The merchandise came from social media ads
The origin of the investigation dates back to the location of advertising on digital platforms that offered these items imported from South America. This clue allowed law enforcement agencies to trace the supply chain to physical points of sale in the metropolitan area.
In addition to the drugs hidden in drinks, inspectors found four kilos of black conch without documentary traceability. This shellfish comes from mangrove swamps in Ecuador, an area where its extraction is banned due to the high concentration of heavy metals that the species accumulates.
Packaging for slimming pills, the sale of which is prohibited in Argentina and Colombia, was also withdrawn from commerce. The operations also detected the marketing of alcohol lacking the mandatory fiscal seals, which indicates tax fraud in addition to health crimes.
Two arrested and investigated for drug offense
The authorities arrested the administrator of the distribution company and his daughter at homes in L'Hospitalet and Barcelona. Justice is also investigating four other people involved in the plot for an alleged crime against public health.
The simultaneous intervention in four establishments put an end to the distribution of these products in the area. The agents seized all the seized merchandise to prevent its circulation.