Couple arrested for producing fake arthritis and sinusitis medication

Authorities in Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam, have arrested a couple for allegedly manufacturing and selling fake medicines. Huynh Van Man and Nguyen Thi Bich Phuong, both 40 and residing in Dong Thap province, are accused of producing counterfeit drugs for treating arthritis and sinusitis.

Investigators found that the couple, despite lacking any formal training in pharmacy or traditional medicine, were motivated by profit. Since 2020, they allegedly purchased Western medications containing paracetamol, dexamethasone, and chlorpheniramine, along with various B vitamins. They then mixed these with traditional herbal ingredients to create their "family heirloom" remedies.

The couple marketed these products under names like "Nguyen Van Sau Family Heirloom Traditional Medicine" and "Do Thai Nam Family Heirloom Traditional Medicine," falsely attributing them to non-existent traditional healers. They advertised and sold these medications through Facebook and delivery services across the country, including Thanh Hoa province.

A search of their residence and production sites uncovered a significant quantity of illicit goods: over one ton of raw materials, 50 kilograms of pre-ground Western drug powder, more than 100,000 finished medication packages, and various manufacturing equipment including mixers, dryers, and a packaging machine.

Laboratory analysis confirmed that the manufactured drugs contained acetaminophen (paracetamol), dexamethasone, and chlorpheniramine. Dexamethasone and chlorpheniramine are listed as prohibited substances for use in health protection products by the Ministry of Health. Man and Nguyen Thi Kim Thoa have been detained, while Phuong is subject to travel restrictions due to her young child. The investigation is ongoing.