Three arrested for selling weight-loss drugs in Alicante

A criminal organisation committed to the unlawful distribution of semaglutide, a popular weight-loss medicine, has been brought down with three arrests in Alicante as part of a larger nationwide operation in which 33 people have been apprehended.

The police distributed these suspects among numerous “cells” across Spain. To dissolve the organisation, 24 searches were conducted, resulting in the confiscation of over 300,000 doses of various medicinal compounds, nearly €400,000 in cash, and 25 bank accounts.

The group obtained these pharmaceuticals and others, such as anabolic steroids, hormones, and erectile dysfunction medications, by illegally importing them from third countries or acquiring them from health clinics or pharmacies.

The accused allegedly sold a variety of anabolic steroids, erectile dysfunction treatments, growth hormones, and fat-burning pills.

The inquiry began in October of last year, following information from the German Prosecutor’s Office in Munich about the likely transit of a package to Spain from a clandestine laboratory in the nation carrying illegal medications.

When the inquiry began, investigators discovered the involvement of multiple people from various locations across the country. They looked to have both illicit drug suppliers and a large number of clients, all of whom were involved in illegal drug distribution.

Once the organisation’s members were discovered and apprehended, 33 people were detained in the provinces of Madrid, Malaga, Alicante, Barcelona, and Seville, with 24 entry and searches conducted in Madrid (11), Malaga (6), Alicante (3), Barcelona (2), and Seville (2).

These products originated in various countries, and it was determined that they were also bought fraudulently from Spanish pharmacies. Investigators discovered at least four establishments operating from various regions of the country.

The investigations revealed that the organisation was shipping the drugs on request via courier companies, and that it also had the alleged direct collaboration of a Madrid-based nurse who went directly to the clients’ homes or sports centres where they trained to illegally supply the drugs.

This suspect also administered serum therapy treatments on request, without necessary medical supervision or sanitary conditions, for charges that may approach 300 euros each session.