Civil Guard seizes 10,000 doses of illegal Botox at clinics in Gran Canaria and other provinces
The Civil Guard arrested nine people after dismantling clandestine clinics in Gran Canaria, Bizkaia, Barcelona and Asturias. 10,000 doses of botulinum toxin lacking health authorisation were seized.
Nine arrested in operation against clandestine aesthetic medicine clinics in Spain
The Civil Guard has seized 10,000 doses of botulinum toxin and arrested nine people in an operation against clandestine aesthetic medicine clinics, according to ABC. Among the establishments investigated are two located in Carrizal and Vecindario, in Gran Canaria.
The investigation covered the period between March 2025 and May 2026, and extended to premises in Bizkaia, Barcelona, Las Palmas and Asturias. In all of them, medicines and cosmetic products were being distributed without complying with current health regulations.
The origin of the operation lies at Foronda airport in Vitoria-Gasteiz, where Civil Guard officers located several packages containing medicines and health products originating mainly from South Korea and Vietnam. The shipments lacked authorisation for their introduction into national territory.
Among the material seized were doses of Botox, hyaluronic acid and medicines intended for diabetes treatment, some of which were being misused to induce weight loss. The products did not meet the transport and storage conditions required by regulations, particularly the cold chain necessary to guarantee their safety and efficacy. The authorities characterised the situation as "a significant risk for patients and consumers".
Those investigated include both people without health training and registered healthcare professionals who allegedly applied these illegal products in hairdressers, unauthorised beauty centres or private residences.
Nine people have been arrested and two others remain under investigation as alleged perpetrators of offences against public health. In some cases, those implicated also face charges of professional misconduct.
Source: ABC