August 15 saw the end to a 2 month long investigation conducted in Nanjing’s southerly Gaochun District. 160 police were divided into 22 groups that conducted a number of surprise raids on various pharmacies and stores.
Over 40 pharmacies and stores suspected of selling counterfeit Viagra were raided along with 26 counterfeiting dens. The raids resulted in over 25 suspects arrested. Later in court, it was revealed they were not only selling counterfeit Viagra, but also a wide range of other fake pharmaceuticals.
After the raids, the Gaochun district Market Supervision Bureau seized all remaining suspected counterfeit drugs in the area. The drugs had been sold to men in the name of “health food”. According to police investigations, the chemicals that were used to create the fake Viagra are “very harmful to people…and can even be fatal”.
Technically, the materials used to make the drug were so cheap that market prices should have been no more than ¥5; instead residents in the area were charged ¥20 upwards. As well as working online, sellers went door-to-door advertising the product, which had “exquisite packaging”, describing it as “German and Hong Kong” made. Suspects later confessed the products had not been produced in Germany or Hong Kong.
Nanjing Police Reminder: Regarding “health foods and drugs”, do not blindly buy cheap drugs; instead choose to buy medicine from hospitals or regular pharmacies. Beware of deception; always check for corresponding invoices from the original seller. If you find problem people or situations please contact Nanjing public security departments and report cases, in order to assist the police in curbing the problem of counterfeit products.
