DAVAO CITY — The Bureau of Customs Port of NAIA (BOC NAIA) intercepted undeclared IVERMECTIN and other undeclared regulated drugs from a shipment imported by Finstad Inc. from New Delhi, India declared as “Food Supplements, Multivitamins and Multi-Mineral Capsules”.
According to the Customs examiner, the said drugs including the undeclared 20,000 capsules of Ivermectin were reportedly concealed in the inner portion of the subject shipment and covered by other declared regulated items after subjection of the shipment to 100% physical examination by BOC NAIA. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director Jesusa Joyce N. Cirunay of the Center for Drug Regulation and Research, said in a reply letter to BOC query , “At present, the drug is under compassionate use in Specialized Institutions authorized by FDA through the issuance of Compassionate Special permit (CSP).”
Furthermore, Director Cirunay added, “In case Ivermectin has been granted authorization, a valid License to Operate (LTO) as Drug Importer and Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) or Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) shall be presented.”
In conformance with the directive of Bureau of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, Bureau of Customs NAIA remains committed to expedite the processing and release of Covid-19 vaccines, drugs and other medical supplies but will also be vigilant and further strengthen border security and protection efforts to curb all smuggling attempts to import unregistered, undeclared goods and/or misdeclared goods without the necessary clearance and permits from FDA.
