Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Police and the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have raided five locations in Bangkok and Pathum Thani, seizing almost 200,000 bottles of counterfeit cough syrup worth over 20 million baht and arresting one suspect. The operation targeted a major illegal network producing and distributing fake medicine.

 

On 25 September, Pol Maj-Gen Phatthanasak Bubphasuwan, commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division, ordered the raid led by Pol Col Weerapong Klaythong and Pol Lt-Col Peera Panthuong. The operation resulted in the arrest of Ms. Aida 34, wanted by Pathum Thani Provincial Court for producing medicine without a licence and manufacturing counterfeit drugs. Authorities seized 172,000 bottles, including over 40,000 bottles of a counterfeit brand “Datisin,” alongside 120,000 empty bottles, raw materials and production equipment.

 

The investigation began on 11 June after police uncovered the network’s activities. Evidence showed that the group frequently moved production sites to avoid detection, spreading manufacturing and bottling across multiple locations. The operation revealed the network had been producing up to 30,000 bottles of cough syrup daily over two months, with a daily value of about 1.5 million baht.

 

Pol Maj-Gen Phatthanasak stated the operation was part of continuous police monitoring after previous raids against the same network. “They acted without regard for public safety, driven solely by profit,” he said, noting the dangers of counterfeit medicines that lack proper safety and efficacy standards. Police stressed the counterfeit cough syrup was being misused by youths for intoxication.

 

Dr Witat Srisadechaikul, Deputy Secretary-General of the Thai FDA, warned of health risks from misusing such products, particularly when added to illicit drinks like “4×100.” He stressed the dangers of medicines produced without Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), which may be contaminated and hazardous.

 

Authorities will continue investigating the network and may issue further charges against involved parties. Public warnings have been issued to avoid consuming unauthorised cough syrup products.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Nearly 200,000 bottles of counterfeit cough syrup were seized in a five-site raid.

• The suspect faces charges for producing medicine without a licence and manufacturing counterfeit drugs.

• Authorities warn of serious health risks from counterfeit medicines and misuse.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-09-27

 

 

 

 

 

Bottom line: Do they stop coughs? Only one issue--cops not getting their cut.

Another Chinese operation?