Police launch investigation after two patients hospitalized following botox treatment; suspected counterfeit product

Officers of the Podgorica Security Department have launched an investigation after a phone report by an employee of the Clinical Center of Montenegro (KCCG), after two patients presented themselves at the hospital following a cosmetic treatment — allegedly an application of botulinum toxin, Vijesti reports.

The Police Directorate announced the investigation a day after the KCCG made it known that the two patients had been treated and hospitalized, with the suspicion that a damaged and counterfeit preparation had been used during the treatment.

The Ministry of Health said the patients’ health condition is currently stable and that they are not in life-threatening danger.

Police have notified the state prosecutor at the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica and, in coordination with him and by his order, are undertaking all necessary measures for the full clarification of the facts of the case.

Meanwhile, the Institute for Medicines and Medical Devices (CInMED) stated that there is no confirmed data on the exact identity of the preparation, the batch number, origin, procurement method, and storage and application conditions — therefore, according to the institute, it cannot be claimed either that it is Dysport or a counterfeit drug; these circumstances must be established in the investigative procedure.