Bangkok police seize 10 million baht in bogus health supplements

The Thai authorities have cracked down on a dietary supplement company for falsely advertising health benefits, using celebrities as endorsers, and selling products worth over 7 million baht in a significant consumer protection case.

In a major operation, Bangkok’s Consumer Protection Police Division, alongside officers from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA), conducted raids on warehouses in Bangkok and the province of Chachoengsao. The target was ADOXY, a dietary supplement brand accused of misleading advertising claims.

The raids resulted in the seizure of 6,480 bottles of ADOXY and an additional 7,327 unlabeled bottles, altogether valued at over 10 million baht. Authorities have been investigating the brand for over four years.

Police General Witthaya Sriparasert and his team, with the assistance of Veerachai Naluwachai, Deputy Secretary-General of the FDA, reported that the products were promoted to cure a wide range of serious illnesses, including diabetes, migraines, cancer, allergies, gout, liver disease, kidney disease, toxic thyroid, psoriasis, and degenerative knee conditions.

The investigation revealed that the company’s marketing strategy involved using well-known personalities to endorse ADOXY, selling the products through a network marketing scheme at 1,450 baht per 15-millilitre bottle. Authorities warned the public against purchasing products with overstated claims online, as consumers may be misled by false advertisements promising health benefits that do not materialise, potentially leading to worsening health conditions.

Initial charges against the involved parties include manufacturing and selling counterfeit food products and advertising false benefits and properties without permission. The case is now with the investigative officers of the Consumer Protection Police Division for further legal action, reported KhaoSod.

Veerachai Naluwachai from the FDA cautioned consumers that no food product can cure diseases and urged them to be vigilant, carefully considering information and not be swayed by exaggerated advertising claims.

In related news, Thai authorities have cracked down on a colossal counterfeit cosmetics ring involving a Chinese investor and the illicit sale of beauty products worth millions.