KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities have seized over 5,000 units of unapproved cosmetic and dietary supplement products worth more than RM185,000 in two raids on residential premises in Segambut here.

The joint operation, conducted on July 16 by police, the Health Ministry (MOH) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), led to the arrest of a 40-year-old local man and two foreign women, aged 28 and 30.

In the first raid, enforcement personnel found 1,972 boxes and 2,551 bottles of various products stored in a house, believed to be used as a warehouse for online sales.

Further inspection of a second premises revealed an additional 180 boxes and 895 bottles of unregistered cosmetic products.

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In a statement, Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim said the operation was launched following intelligence on the sale of products without MOH approval, marketed via social media platforms.

The case is being investigated under Regulations 18A and 7(1)(a) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.

Offenders face fines of up to RM25,000 or three years' jail for the first offence, and RM50,000 or five years' jail for subsequent offences. Companies face higher fines of up to RM100,000.

DBKL also issued a notice under Section 26(1)(a) of the Federal Territory (Planning) Act for the unauthorised use of residential premises for business purposes.

Police advise the public to be cautious when purchasing health and cosmetic products, and warned social media and e-commerce platform operators against facilitating the sale of unapproved goods.

From Jan 1 to July 16, the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Intelligence and Investigation Unit (WCB/PSK) under Bukit Aman's Internal Security and Public Order Department carried out 167 operations nationwide, arresting 300 people for offences including contraband smuggling, controlled goods leaks, sale of imitation weapons, wildlife trafficking, and illegal e-waste processing.

The total value of seizures during this period is estimated at RM541 million.