In a case highlighting the dangers of unregulated online sales, Isis Navarro Reyes, a resident of Shirley, New York, is facing charges for allegedly selling misbranded and potentially hazardous weight-loss drugs on TikTok.
Prosecutors allege Reyes used TikTok videos to promote and sell drugs like Ozempic, a prescription medication for type 2 diabetes that has become a controversial weight-loss trend. Authorities claim the drugs sold by Reyes were not approved for distribution in the United States and may have contained harmful bacteria. According to court documents, at least one victim who purchased drugs from Reyes developed lesions.
The crux of the case hinges on Reyes’ alleged lack of licensing and the misrepresentation of the drugs. Ozempic, for example, requires a prescription from a doctor and is not intended for the sole purpose of weight loss. Selling prescription drugs without a license is illegal, and federal prosecutors emphasize the potential health risks associated with unregulated medications.
This case sheds light on the growing concern of illicit drug sales on social media platforms. Platforms like TikTok, with their vast reach and often unregulated content, can create avenues for the sale of potentially dangerous products. Authorities are urging users to be cautious of online solicitations for prescription drugs and to seek weight-loss advice from licensed healthcare professionals.
Reyes was arrested on May 1, 2024, and faces multiple charges, including smuggling, receiving misbranded drugs, dispensing prescription drugs without a license, and conspiracy. She is currently awaiting trial.
