Brazil police crackdown on slimming pen thefts and illegal sales in São Paulo

A surge of robberies targeting weight‑loss pens – injectable drugs used for diabetes treatment – has hit pharmacies in São Paulo and the surrounding Grande São Paulo area. Over 400 incidents were recorded in the past five months, with recent raids resulting in the arrest of a couple in Itaim Bibi who attempted to steal the pens and were found with a revolver and a vehicle. The State Public Security Secretariat reported that the crimes are focused on these high‑value medications.

In a related operation, the Civil Police conducted raids in Leopoldina on 13 July, executing three search and seizure warrants at commercial premises. The action seized unregistered slimming pens of foreign origin, documentation, electronic devices and other items for forensic analysis. Investigators will verify whether the products were registered with Brazil's health regulator ANVISA and identify any active ingredients such as tirzepatide, aiming to dismantle the illegal distribution network.