Nghe An Provincial Police arrested Son, 39, a resident of Truong Vinh ward, on 15/4 for manufacturing and trading counterfeit therapeutic drugs.

Suspect Son (right) and confiscated evidence at the investigative agency. Photo: Public Security

According to investigators, Son, despite lacking professional expertise, established a facility in 2025 in Truong Vinh ward (formerly part of Vinh City) to produce and sell undocumented asthma medicine. He purchased unregulated products online, then relabeled them with claims such as "complete asthma cure in 30 days," "traditional herbal medicine," and "no side effects," before offering them for sale.

To attract customers, Son traveled along National Highway 1A through multiple provinces, spray-painting "100% asthma cure" and his phone number on house walls, billboards, and utility poles. When orders were placed, Son would contact customers and send the medicine via delivery services.

In late March, police searched Son's residence, confiscating nearly 200 bottles of fake asthma medicine along with other exhibits. To date, Son is believed to have sold nearly 1,000 bottles of counterfeit medicine, illicitly profiting hundreds of millions of VND.

Cable boxes in Nghe An, spray-painted by Son with asthma medicine advertisements. Photo: Public Security

An expert assessment by the Institute of Criminal Science of the Ministry of Public Security confirmed that the asthma medicine from Son's facility contained dexamethasone and chlorpheniramine, substances prohibited in health supplements.

The case is currently under expanded investigation.

Duc Hung