Police Bust Counterfeit Milk Network, Seize Over 4 Million Baht Worth of Fake Products

[Georgealbert]

 

 

Authorities from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led by the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), have dismantled a counterfeit network selling fake Ensure Gold powdered milk. The operation resulted in the seizure of 5,370 cans of the fraudulent product across 13 items, with an estimated total value of 4.5 million baht.

 

The proliferation of online sales platforms has made health products more accessible but has also increased the prevalence of counterfeit goods. Following complaints from consumers and reports from the manufacturer, police discovered fake Ensure Gold products being sold online. This powdered milk, marketed for seniors at risk of malnutrition, is often used as a primary or supplementary meal. Consumption of counterfeit products could lead to health risks, as they may lack the expected nutrients or contain harmful substances.

 

On November 15, officers from CPPD Unit 4 executed search warrants at two locations in Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom:

 

1. Packing Facility: A residential property in Khun Kaew Subdistrict was found to house 1,535 counterfeit cans of Ensure Gold (vanilla flavor, 850g) and related packing equipment. A man named Mr. Monop and a woman named Ms. Wiriya were arrested while packing products for shipment.

 

2. Storage Facility: Another residential property in the same area contained 3,840 counterfeit cans of Ensure Gold (vanilla flavor, 850g) and packing materials. A Chinese national, Mr. Chen, claimed ownership of the site.

 

In total, 5,375 cans of counterfeit products and related items were seized from the two locations.

 

The counterfeit network advertised fake products online, using Chinese-language store names and offering the milk powder at discounted prices (690 baht for an 850g can, compared to the usual 1,000+ baht). The network frequently changed store names to evade detection.

 

The operation employed local residents for packing and shipping, promising monthly wages of 15,000 to 30,000 baht. A suspect revealed that they were hired by a Chinese individual, Mr. Wang, to pack and dispatch orders daily through private courier services. In just 15 days, the team now handled 100–200 orders per day.

 

Samples of the counterfeit product will be tested by the Department of Medical Sciences to identify any prohibited substances. If found unsafe, the perpetrators could face additional charges under the Food Act, which imposes penalties of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.

 

Currently, the following charges apply:

 

1. Selling counterfeit food: Punishable by 6 months to 10 years in prison and a fine of 5,000 to 100,000 baht.

 

2. Selling mislabeled food products: Punishable by a fine of up to 30,000 baht.

 

Authorities urge the public to be cautious when approached with offers to pack and ship products, as they may unknowingly participate in illegal activities.

 

 

Picture courtesy of CIB

-- 2024-11-20