Local authorities seize fake COVID-19 drugs

China's drug regulators and public security forces have recently disrupted criminal gangs involved in selling COVID-19 therapies from unknown sources, the National Medical Products Administration said in a statement on Monday.

During a recent campaign, local authorities seized a batch of fake Paxlovid drugs — a COVID-19 treatment made by Pfizer — and some other unauthorized imported drugs.

Some of the seized drugs did not contain effective components or had added illegitimate ingredients.

It said that the case is being investigated by the public security authority.

The administration said that it has been ramping up its crackdown on illegal production and selling of anti-virus drugs and medical equipment since the COVID-19 epidemic broke out.