During a raid in Denpasar, BBPOM (National Agency of Drug and Food Control) inspectors and the police found 73 types of drugs with two vendors, falsely claimed to be harmless herbal remedies for pain and "male enhancement". In reality, the pills and capsules contained potent substances that are only allowed to be sold by prescription.
Laboratory tests identified sildenafil and tadalafil (components of 'Viagra'), as well as the painkillers and anti-inflammatories paracetamol, piroxicam, and dexamethasone in the product. The dangerous ingredients were found in popular products such as Urat Madu Gold, Cobra-X, Buaya Jantan, Montalin, Pak Tani and others. Many of the drugs are unregistered, and some have counterfeit license numbers. The total value of the confiscated goods exceeded 35 million rupiahs.
Not knowing the composition makes taking such capsules particularly risky: they can cause sudden spikes in blood pressure, chest pain, kidney and liver damage, hormonal imbalances, hearing or vision loss, and in severe cases, heart attack or death.
The demand remains high, acknowledges BBPOM head, I Gusti Ayu Adhi Aryapatni: “Under the guise of herbal medicines, dangerous drugs are often sold to people.” The same vendors were fined in 2018, but the penalties were lenient. They now face fines of up to 5 billion rupiahs and up to 12 years in prison.
When purchasing medication in Bali, always check the packaging, label, registration, and expiration date. This can be done on the websites cekbpom.pom.go.id, pom.go.id, or the BPOM Mobile app.
Source: nusabali
You can add one right now!