Kuala kangsar: The General Operations Force (GOF) seized two lorries loaded with unregistered cosmetic products and supplements, estimated to be worth RM1.42 million, on the North-South Expressway today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, GOF Ulu Kinta Northern Brigade commander SAC Shahrum Hashim stated that this seizure occurred during an enforcement operation targeting cosmetic products or supplements not registered with the Ministry of Health (MOH). The operation took place at the southbound Sungai Perak Rest and Service Area near Kuala Kangsar.

GOF intelligence suggested that the unregistered products were likely manufactured at a factory in Jitra, Kedah. The lorries were reportedly transporting the cargo for distribution to a company based in Selangor. During the inspection, it was discovered that the cosmetic products or supplements lacked hologram stickers and did not possess a Ministry of Health product registration number.

Shahrum reported that two local men in their 30s were arrested in connection with the incident. Alongside the lorries, which are valued at RM220,000, the confiscated goods included 5,000 bottles of skin whitening drink supplement products, worth RM1,100,000, and 1,008 bottles of Vitamin C tablets for skin, valued at RM100,800.

The seized cosmetic products and lorries were handed over to the Perak Pharmaceutical enforcement division. The detained drivers are currently under investigation. The case is being examined under the Sale of Drugs Act 1952 and the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, which prohibit the manufacturing or sale of unregistered medicinal products.

Shahrum emphasized the GOF Northern Brigade's commitment to intensifying efforts against the manufacturing, selling, supplying, importing, possessing, or giving unregistered medicines. This will be achieved through increased surveillance and patrols in Perak, Penang, Kedah, and Perlis.