Nine people have been arrested and more than 10,000 doses of Botox seized following a major Guardia Civil operation targeting illegal cosmetic clinics across Spain, including two raids in Gran Canaria.

The investigation uncovered a network allegedly distributing cosmetic and medical products illegally through unlicensed beauty clinics, hair salons and private homes.

In the Canary Islands, the raids took place in Carrizal and Vecindario, both in Gran Canaria.

According to the Guardia Civil, the investigation ran from March 2025 to May 2026 after suspicious packages containing medical products were discovered at Foronda Airport in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The shipments mainly originated from South Korea and Vietnam.

Among the products seized were Botox, hyaluronic acid and diabetes medication, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, that investigators say was being illegally used for weight-loss treatments.

Police warned that many of the products entered Spain without health authorisation and were transported without proper refrigeration, posing what officers described as “a serious risk” to patients.

Treatments Carried Out in Unlicensed Premises

Investigators say some of those involved had no medical qualifications, while others were registered healthcare professionals allegedly carrying out treatments illegally.

The cosmetic procedures were reportedly being offered in hairdressers, beauty centres without licences and even private homes.

The Guardia Civil said people undergoing these treatments faced significant dangers, including infections, severe allergic reactions, facial paralysis and permanent injuries, particularly when Botox is administered in unsafe or non-sterile conditions.

Operations Across Spain

The operation resulted in:

• Four arrests and two people under investigation in Bizkaia
• Two arrests in Barcelona
• Two arrests in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
• One arrest in Asturias

The suspects are being investigated for offences against public health and, in some cases, practising medical procedures without proper qualifications.

The Guardia Civil is reminding the public to only use authorised clinics and properly qualified professionals for cosmetic treatments and to avoid products purchased through unofficial channels or social media.