On 15/7, Ha Tinh provincial police announced the indictment of two individuals involved in the production and sale of counterfeit goods.
While the identities of the suspects have not been released, investigators confirmed they are linked to two pharmaceutical companies based in Hanoi and Bac Ninh. Earlier this year, seeking to undercut competitors and boost profits, the companies' leaders instructed employees to purchase 99% industrial alcohol (containing high levels of methanol) to produce counterfeit medical alcohol.
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A bottle of counterfeit alcohol seized by authorities. Photo: Hung Le |
A bottle of counterfeit alcohol seized by authorities. Photo: Hung Le
After bottling the product, employees affixed counterfeit labels and distributed it in Ha Tinh and other provinces.
Acting on public complaints, Ha Tinh police launched an investigation in June. They have since seized over 19,000 bottles of counterfeit 70-90% ethanol from the companies' facilities in Hanoi and Bac Ninh, along with numerous retail pharmacies and distributors.
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Police inspecting a warehouse in Hanoi, seizing dozens of cartons of counterfeit alcohol. Photo: Hung Le |
Police inspecting a warehouse in Hanoi, seizing dozens of cartons of counterfeit alcohol. Photo: Hung Le
Tests confirmed the tens of thousands of bottles labeled as medical-grade ethanol were actually made with industrial alcohol containing high levels of methanol, a toxic substance that can cause nerve damage, blindness, and even death through contact or inhalation.
The investigation is ongoing.
Duc Hung
