Source: Correio da Paraíba - João Pessoa / PB - POLICE - 12/05/2010

The Public Prosecutor of Paraíba triggered this Wednesday morning (12), in Greater João Pessoa and nearby cities, a joint operation called Sequela II that culminated in the seizure of several counterfeit cigarettes and contraband drugs.

The owner of a pharmacy that operated without authorization from the national (Anvisa) and state (Agevisa) Health Surveillance in Pitumbu was arrested on charges of smuggling and will be taken to the Federal Police in João Pessoa.

According to Agevisa's medicine manager, Sérgio Brindeiro, about 50 smuggled “pramil” pills were found in the establishment. The drug used to treat erectile dysfunction is prohibited in Brazil. We also found products with hospital packaging that should not be sold in pharmacies and herbal medicines without registration with Anvisa. “We are analyzing the possibility of banning the location.

Anvisa will give the owner of the establishment an arrest warrant and he will be taken to the Federal Police headquarters in João Pessoa, ”informed Sérgio.

According to the Consumer Prosecutor, Francisco Glauberto Bezerra, several packages of counterfeit cigarettes were seized at the Oitizeiro Public Market in João Pessoa. The Municipal Health Surveillance also notified several establishments - including a merchandise distributor - that do not have a health license to operate.

“Operation Sequela 2” continues in several neighborhoods in the Capital and has the support of Anvisa, Agevisa, João Pessoa Health Surveillance, Federal and Military Police, State Procon and State Tax Authorities. "The purpose of the operation is to guarantee the human right to health and the safety of people," said prosecutor Glauberto Bezerra.