Police in Hubei Province, China, have busted a large-scale counterfeit drug manufacturing and trafficking ring, with an estimated involvement of over RMB 50 million, equivalent to approximately VND 185 billion, according to CCTV Finance.
The case came to light when authorities inspected a local pharmacy and seized drugs named “Sanyang Shenbao” and “Qianglibao”, advertised as having blood lipid-lowering and anti-hypertensive properties. Testing revealed these to be fake medications, sparking a large-scale investigation.
According to the police, the group used starch, citric acid, and a small amount of traditional Chinese medicinal powder to create colorful capsules. These were then packaged in attractively printed boxes with miraculous claims, marketed as cures for common chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and high blood fat.
Mr. Li Yunlong, Deputy Director of the Limiao Police Station of the Nanzhang County Public Security Bureau in Xiangyang City, stated, “These fake drugs are essentially a mixture of starch, citric acid, and a small amount of herbal medicine, with no therapeutic effects. They were sold through multiple distribution channels, with the final selling price being tens of times higher than the production cost.”
Investigations revealed that it only cost a few cents to produce one counterfeit pill, but they were packaged and sold to distributors for RMB 2. After passing through several traders, the products entered pharmacies at a price of RMB 8, and finally reached consumers at RMB 20. This huge price difference generated tens of millions of RMB in illegal profits for the ring.
As the investigation expanded, the police identified a key figure in the manufacturing operation, known online as “Hong Bao”. This led to the seizure of large quantities of finished counterfeit drugs, packaging materials, and production tools.
Currently, six members of the drug production and trafficking ring have been criminally detained, including the ringleader. The case remains under investigation to uncover further links and the extent of market penetration.
Hubei police also warned the public to be cautious when purchasing medications, especially those that are overly promoted or sold outside the official distribution channels. Fake drugs not only cause economic losses but also pose direct threats to consumers’ health and lives.
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