On September 2, 2026, the Public Prosecutor’s Office conducted operations at two pharmacies in Ciudad del Este, in the Alto Paraná department, after suspected sales of counterfeit weight-loss medicines were identified.
The searches were led by prosecutor Israel Villalba at the Dr. Cell and Farma Fir establishments, located in the city center. Several units of products containing tirzepatide were seized, bearing the “TG,” “Tirzec” and “Lipoless” brands.
Investigators suspect the products are unauthorized replicas. The complaint that prompted the investigation was filed by Salomoni y Asociados, the products’ legal representative in Paraguay. In a statement reproduced in coverage of the case, Villalba said the items did not display characteristics of authenticity.
The seizure took place in a regional market where tirzepatide — an active ingredient associated with medicines for diabetes and weight control — has become the target of irregular trade. For consumers, the main consequence is the risk of buying products without guarantees regarding their composition, origin, concentration or proper storage conditions.
Authorities still must complete forensic testing to confirm the counterfeiting and determine the medicines’ origin. Until that confirmation, the products should be treated as suspected counterfeits rather than officially validated medicines.