BBPOM Surabaya Seizes 2,523 Illegal Natural Medicine Products

Surabaya (ANTARA) - The Surabaya Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BBPOM), alongside the East Java Regional Police’s Criminal Investigator Coordinators (Korwas PPNS), conducted a raid and seized 2,523 illegal and dangerous natural medicine (OBA) products during an enforcement operation in Bangkalan Regency, East Java, on Monday (14/9).

Head of BBPOM Surabaya, Yudi Noviandi, stated in Surabaya on Thursday that the thousands of products, with a total value exceeding Rp60 million, were seized because they lacked distribution permits and contained medicinal chemical substances (BKO).

“Several of the seized brands have even been included in the BPOM public warning list due to health risks, such as Urat Madu, Montalin, Jakarta Bandung, King Cobra, Buaya Jantan, and Buah Dewa,” he said.

He explained that this enforcement operation targeted distribution facilities and traditional herbal medicine (jamu) shops in the Bangkalan area to ensure that circulating products are safe for public consumption.

“This case constitutes a criminal offence violating Article 4s5 of the Republic of Indonesia Law No. 17 of 2023 concerning Health, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 12 (twelve) years or a maximum fine of Rp5 billion,” he added.

He stated that BBPOM Surabaya is committed to ensuring that the legal process for this case is pursued to completion in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies.

“The circulation of natural medicines adulterated with chemical substances is a serious violation. Such practices are highly risky as they can trigger fatal side effects for consumers because the mixing is done illegally without measured medical dosages,” he said.

Yudi urged the public to always perform checks by inspecting packaging, labels, distribution permits, and expiry dates before purchasing natural medicine products, and not to be easily enticed by excessive claims of instant efficacy.