The investigation process led the authorities to identify the organizer of the product disposal as Mr. N.P.S. (36 years old, from District 12), director of SKX NC Limited Company, based in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City.
Mr. S. admitted to importing and trading health supplements, cosmetics, and medical equipment through e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and a pharmaceutical website.
Mr. L. at the site where the health supplements were burned. Photo: C.A.
The source of the disposed health supplements was traced back to Mr. Đ.V.A. (44 years old), representing V.P Joint Stock Company, headquartered in Hanoi, with a branch in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City.
After being provided with a catalog of approximately 100 items and accompanying documents, Mr. S. signed contracts with two distribution companies: M.U Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company and M. Joint Venture Pharmaceutical Company.
According to Mr. S., from mid-2023 until now, he has purchased around 150 types of products, totaling VND 20 billion. Mr. S. claimed that he was unaware that these products were counterfeit.
Burning Disposal Effort Hampered by Rain
On June 6th, PC03, in collaboration with the Environmental Police Department (PC05) and the Phong Phu Commune Police, inspected a vacant lot on Nguyen Van Linh Street (Ward 12, Phong Phu Commune, Binh Chanh District) and discovered multiple sites indicating the disposal of health supplements.
At five locations within the lot, the authorities collected over 4,200 boxes and more than 8,000 blister packs of health supplements from various brands. Most of these products were supplements for vitamin and mineral support, liver detoxification, memory enhancement, and general health improvement, with expiration dates ranging from 2027 to 2028.
Additionally, there was an area of approximately 20 square meters bearing traces of ashes, charred remains, and partially burned packaging, suggesting an attempt to destroy evidence by burning.
Driver C. and Mr. L. with the products that were not disposed of in time. Photo: C.A.
Through skilled investigation, the police identified Mr. N.M.L. (32 years old, from Binh Chanh District) as the person directly responsible for burning the products. During the interrogation, Mr. L. revealed that around 11:00 on May 28th, he was introduced by an individual named P. to a job involving warehouse clearance for an acquaintance.
Subsequently, Mr. L. received a phone call from Mr. S., who hired him to dispose of the products. From May 28th to June 3rd, Mr. L. received deliveries from a truck driver named T.V.C. (34 years old, from Quang Ngai) at his residence in Phong Phu Commune (Binh Chanh District). The deliveries included 80 cardboard boxes containing empty packages and 167 boxes of health supplements.
Mr. L. then transported these products to a vacant lot on Nguyen Van Linh Street to burn them. However, due to rainy weather, the products did not burn completely, leaving behind traces that led to their discovery by the authorities. Upon completion of the task, Mr. L. received VND 7 million via bank transfer from Mr. S.
The authorities inspecting Mr. S.’s company warehouse. Photo: C.A.
Health supplements dumped illegally in Binh Chanh District. Photo: C.A.
The truck driver, C., confessed to making five trips from Dong Hung Thuan Ward (District 12) to Mr. L.’s residence and receiving VND 7.2 million via bank transfer from Mr. S. Driver C. claimed ignorance of the nature of the goods as the boxes were sealed shut.
The authorities are collaborating with relevant units to appraise all the goods, verify the authenticity of the products, and investigate the illegal disposal, counterfeiting, and environmental violations.
Surrender of Additional Health Supplements Preventing Timely Disposal
In addition to the products burned at the vacant lot in Binh Chanh District, Mr. S. also turned over to the police five cardboard boxes of health supplements that he had not disposed of. In total, there were 238 boxes containing 47 varieties of supplements such as Kim Tien Thao Rau Meo, Ultra Omega, Natural’s Health Mediphar, and Pedia Baby. All of these products belonged to M.U Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company and M. Joint Venture Pharmaceutical Company.
An Unprecedented Scene at Ho Chi Minh City’s Shopping ‘Mecca’
The bustling shopping districts and malls of Ho Chi Minh City, once hailed as a shopper’s paradise, are now witnessing a stark contrast. An array of kiosks and shops lie dormant, their gates locked and shutters tightly drawn, creating an eerie silence in what was once a vibrant hub of commercial activity.
A Sea of Shuttered Stalls: The Anxiety that Engulfs Ho Chi Minh City’s Iconic Markets
The issue of traders shutting down their stalls to avoid inspections is not new, but its frequency is increasing.
Clearing the Market of Drugs and Supplements: A Wave of Voluntary Recalls
In recent weeks, dozens of businesses have voluntarily recalled their medicines, health supplements, and cosmetics. This could be a demonstration of their social responsibility and ethical business practices. However, amidst the ongoing crackdown on counterfeit and substandard goods, it also raises questions about whether some companies are simply attempting to avoid regulatory scrutiny or potential penalties for non-compliance.
The City of Ho Chi Minh Scrambles to Compile a ‘Hotspot’ List of Counterfeit and Smuggling Trade for Swift Inspection and Action
The Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has directed the Department of Industry and Trade to urgently inspect and compile a list of hotspots requiring heightened attention in the fight against smuggling, commercial fraud, and counterfeit goods. The aim is to enforce regulations and stamp out these illicit activities.
Counterfeiting in the Digital Age: Time to Take Action Against Online Marketplaces
“It is imperative to strengthen the penalties and impose criminal liability on both the manufacturers and the e-commerce platforms themselves if they are found to be in breach of regulations. A stringent enforcement approach is necessary to deter future violations and ensure a safe and trustworthy digital marketplace for all stakeholders involved.”
