Federal Police Launch Operation Ignota Targeting Illegal Weight-Loss Drugs in Rio

Overview

• Agents executed three search warrants at a medical clinic in Rio’s southwest zone and at residences in Rio and São Gonçalo.
• Investigators say the network imported weight-loss products illegally and funneled them to clinics for irregular sale.
• The inquiry has support from Anvisa, which is working with federal investigators on sanitary and regulatory aspects.
• A recently arrested Anvisa staffer is accused of diverting about 100 seized injectable slimming pens, a development that reinforced the case.
• Police cite public health risks due to lack of verified origin and sanitary controls, and say suspects may face charges including import and sale of drugs of unknown provenance and qualified receiving.