The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) detained Yanelys Fundora Acebo, a Cuban national and owner of the "X Lash by Yane" medical spa, situated in southwest Miami-Dade, on charges of allegedly distributing controlled weight-loss medications without authorization. Among the products, authorities found lollipops containing phentermine and medications with active ingredients found in popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
Fundora Acebo, aged 44, was apprehended following a months-long undercover investigation that included purchasing these products without a prescription, monitoring the business, and gathering evidence, including her social media activity.
Undercover Operation and Unauthorized Drug Purchases
The investigation was sparked by complaints about the illegal sale and distribution of medications from "X Lash by Yane," a cosmetic center located at 9638 SW 72nd St. in Sunset, an unincorporated area of Miami-Dade County. According to court documents, undercover agents visited the establishment multiple times and successfully purchased "lollipops containing phentermine" without any need for identification or a medical prescription.
Phentermine is a regulated medication classified under Schedule IV controlled substances due to its potential for abuse and addiction. Besides the lollipops, agents identified the sale of products containing semaglutide and tirzepatide, active ingredients in prescription-only medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.
The police report states that on September 27 of the previous year, an undercover agent bought three phentermine lollipops, which were confiscated and sent to the MDSO laboratory, confirming the presence of the controlled substance. Later, on March 12 of this year, another agent purchased ten more lollipops, also without a prescription, for a total of $200. During this transaction, Fundora Acebo jokingly told the agent, "You should play the lottery because you asked for [10] lollipops, and that's exactly what I had left."
Social Media Promotion and Drug Sales
Detectives discovered that promoting these products extended beyond the physical location. The business's Instagram account, "X Lash by Yane"—still active at the time of this report—advertised semaglutide treatments for $230 a month, alongside the sale and shipment of these products anywhere in the United States and Puerto Rico.
"She boasted about selling weight-loss products like phentermine, tirzepatide, and semaglutide," the police report states. The account also featured videos of Fundora Acebo "injecting" these medications and marketing the spa as a leading weight-loss center in Miami. Notably, a certificate issued by the Doral City Council recognized her as a "beauty and wellness entrepreneur," and a video showcased her participation in a Spanish-language TV program on a local network.
A Spa Claiming Record-Breaking Success
The accused claimed to have achieved the "American Dream" with her business venture. Fundora Acebo, who migrated to the United States from Cuba at just 15, stated on her social media that "X Lash by Yane" was "the highest-grossing medspa in Miami," asserting she had treated "1.5 million patients in less than a year" with injectable weight-loss treatments.
These claims, combined with active social media advertising, attracted the authorities' attention, who determined that neither Fundora Acebo nor her business possessed the necessary medical or pharmaceutical licenses to dispense controlled medications. Upon verification with the Florida Department of Health, investigators confirmed that Fundora Acebo only holds a license as a massage therapist, which does not authorize her to prescribe or distribute drugs.
Search, Arrest, and Charges Filed
On Tuesday, the Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at "X Lash by Yane," and after reading her Miranda rights, Fundora Acebo was arrested and taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. The entrepreneur now faces multiple serious charges, including practicing healthcare without a license, dispensing medications without a license, and possession with intent to sell a controlled substance.
In statements following her arrest, Fundora Acebo maintained her innocence to local media. "Everything was wrong, of course," she told Local 10 News in Spanish. She was released on bail on Wednesday and is scheduled to appear in court in the coming days.
High-Risk Regulated Medications
The medications Fundora Acebo sold without medical supervision require prescriptions due to their potential side effects and associated risks. For instance, phentermine is an appetite suppressant that can cause insomnia, hypertension, tachycardia, and dependency. Meanwhile, semaglutide and tirzepatide are approved for treating type 2 diabetes and are also used in medical weight-loss programs, under strict professional supervision.
Authorities have warned about the dangers of consuming these substances without medical oversight, especially when distributed through informal networks without health control. The case remains under investigation to determine the full extent of Fundora Acebo's operations, particularly if there were shipments to other states or U.S. territories. Authorities do not rule out the possibility of additional arrests linked to the business.
The MDSO has reminded the public of the importance of avoiding the purchase of medications through unofficial channels and recommended always consulting authorized healthcare professionals for weight-loss treatments.
Understanding the Legal Implications of Selling Controlled Substances
What are the legal consequences of selling controlled medications without a license?
Selling controlled medications without a license can result in serious legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record. It violates federal and state laws that regulate drug distribution to ensure public safety.
Why is it risky to use controlled medications without a prescription?
Using controlled medications without a prescription is risky because these drugs can have significant side effects and require professional oversight to manage health risks effectively.
How can consumers ensure they are purchasing medications safely?
Consumers should only purchase medications from licensed pharmacies and consult with healthcare professionals to ensure safe and appropriate use.