ARCSA conducts pharmaceutical raids and closures in Ecuador

The National Agency for Regulation, Control, and Sanitary Surveillance (ARCSA) has conducted several enforcement operations in Ecuador targeting illegal pharmaceutical activities.

In Guayaquil, authorities raided improvised tents and a suspected clandestine warehouse near Hospital Monte Sinaí. The operation, supported by the National Police and Armed Forces, resulted in the seizure of 7,645 irregular drugs and medical supplies. Items confiscated included expired medications, products without sanitary registration, and controlled substances such as fentanyl, morphine, and midazolam being sold without prescriptions. Officials noted that the supplies were stored in unsanitary conditions, exposed to the elements, and lacked proper cold chain management.

In Imbabura, ARCSA closed two pharmacies in Ibarra for failing to comply with mandatory service shifts. During inspections of eight establishments in Ibarra and Pimampiro, two pharmacies were found to be in violation of the Organic Health Law, which requires pharmacies to provide at least 12 hours of uninterrupted service and adhere to assigned shifts to ensure public access to urgent medications.