Brazil's Federal Police launched Operation Phármakon, targeting illegal medication sales in the Fazendinha neighborhood of Macapá. During this operation, authorities uncovered a woman suspected of selling Tirzepatide T.G.5, a drug that lacks registration with the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) and whose sale is banned in the country. This medication is intended for treating type 2 diabetes and can also aid in weight loss by reducing appetite.

The illegal sale of Tirzepatide highlights significant concerns regarding public health and safety, as the drug was being sold without a prescription and outside authorized pharmacies at considerably lower prices than typical market rates. The absence of regulatory oversight on such medications poses serious risks to consumers who might be unaware of the direct implications of taking unverified drugs.

While specific details about the seizures conducted during the operation have not been released by the Federal Police, the investigation raises awareness about the broader issue of the clandestine market for medications in Brazil, which is a concern highlighted in recent years. The crackdown on illegal sales reflects ongoing efforts by Brazilian authorities to regulate pharmaceutical commerce and protect public health from fraud and unverified products.