The Civil Guard has seized a total of 10,000 doses of botulinum toxin (Botox) and has arrested nine people in seven operations against clandestine clinics in the provinces of Bizkaia, Barcelona, Las Palmas, and Asturias. These individuals were illegally distributing medicines and aesthetic medicine products. Two other people are under investigation.
The investigation, carried out between March 2025 and May 2026, began after the Civil Guard located various packages at the Foronda airport, in Vitoria-Gasteiz, containing medicines and health products originating mainly from South Korea and Vietnam. Among these, they found doses of Botox, hyaluronic acid, and medications indicated for the treatment of diabetes, some of which are improperly used for weight loss.
The products were being brought into national territory without health authorization and without respecting the required transport and conservation conditions, especially the cold chain necessary to guarantee their safety and efficacy. All of this posed a significant risk to patients and consumers.
Among those involved are both individuals without health training and registered professionals who allegedly performed treatments using illegal products in hair salons, unauthorized aesthetic centers, or even private homes.
Seven operations in four provinces
The operation has led to the arrest of nine people and the investigation of two others as alleged perpetrators of crimes against public health and, in some cases, professional intrusion.
The territorial breakdown of the actions is as follows:
• Bizkaia: four arrested and two investigated
• Barcelona: two arrested
• Las Palmas: two arrested
• Principality of Asturias: one arrested
Searches in several towns in the territory
In addition to the seizures made at the Foronda airport in Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Judicial Police of the Civil Guard of Álava has carried out various searches in properties and premises linked to the investigated activity.
In Bizkaia, actions were taken in Bilbao, Basauri, Galdakano, and Barakaldo; in the province of Barcelona, operations took place in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat and Cornellá de Llobregat; in Asturias, the investigations extended to Avilés; finally, in the province of Las Palmas, actions took place in Carrizal and Vecindario.
As a result of the searches carried out, approximately 10,000 units of botulinum toxin of illegal origin have been located ready for use and more than 200 vials of hyaluronic acid introduced outside authorized channels.
More than 115,000 euros allegedly from profits obtained through these treatments carried out outside of health controls have also been seized.
Health authorities warn of the serious danger posed by undergoing aesthetic procedures carried out by unqualified personnel or in unauthorized establishments, using products without traceability acquired through the internet or through illicit distribution networks. The administration of botulinum toxin under non-sterile conditions or with unauthorized products can cause serious infections, severe allergic reactions, facial paralysis, or permanent sequelae.
The Guardia Civil recalls the importance of exclusively attending authorized centers and qualified professionals for this type of treatment, as well as always verifying the legal origin and traceability of the products used.
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