Quanzhou police take aim at counterfeit medicines and cosmetics

Public security authorities in Quanzhou, Fujian province, have stepped up operations targeting the production and sale of counterfeit medical and cosmetic products, devices and related items that pose risks to public health.

With a focus on investigating large-scale, cross-regional and network-based criminal activities, Quanzhou police have made significant progress this year in dismantling illicit groups to ensure the safety of medicines, the city's public security bureau said.

They have collaborated closely with other administrative law enforcement departments and established effective working mechanisms for joint meetings, case supervision and investigations.

Public security agencies in Quanzhou have resolved 37 major criminal cases related to counterfeit medical and cosmetic products so far this year.

In a case handled in Quanzhou Taiwan Investment Zone in August, police seized over 1,500 boxes of counterfeit cosmetic medicines spanning 20 different categories and many foreign brands, along with various packaging and labels, estimated to have a total value of about 38 million yuan ($5.34 million).

Couriers tipped off police that a migrant resident had purchased a large number of packages of overseas brand cosmetics from other provinces through express delivery. A police investigation found the brands did not have local agents, prompting further inquiries, said Ye Yuming, a police officer from the Luoyang police station in the investment zone.

Police first apprehended a man surnamed Zhu in September and discovered that he used multiple aliases and unregistered phone numbers to receive deliveries. He also instructed couriers to deposit the deliveries at nearby delivery points rather than directly at his residence or warehouse.

After Zhu's arrest, it was discovered that the counterfeit items were stored in an apartment registered under the name of his brother-in-law, surnamed Wu, who had previously sold clothes online and was believed to be the boss of the illegal operation.

Wu sourced the fake products from a supplier in Guangdong province, who is still at large, and attempted to sell them online but faced difficulties due to stringent online regulations on medical and cosmetic products. He then stored the products in the rented apartment, intending to sell them to physical cosmetic stores and clinics. The case is still being investigated.

Ye said the complexities of investigating cases related to counterfeit medical and cosmetic products lay in accurately testing the products to determine their value. The test results can impact the nature of the case and potential sentences for the suspects.

There is a limited number of institutions able to test the quality of cosmetic products, especially for foreign brands, he said, adding that many suspects turn to producing and selling foreign brands due to the significant demand and testing difficulties.

Ye also underscored the importance of preventing collusion among suspects during investigations, particularly in cases involving cash transactions designed to evade traceability through bank cards or online payment platforms.

"Collaborative efforts among public security agencies, market supervision agencies and other departments are crucial for effectively cracking down on such crimes," he said.

The Quanzhou Taiwan Investment Zone Management Committee established a Drug Safety and Industry Promotion Leading Group last year that has outlined measures and recommendations to combat crimes endangering drug safety, including the establishment of working and information sharing mechanisms.

The zone's public security authorities are responsible for organizing and coordinating the investigation of criminal cases involving offenses against drug safety, interference with drug management, and obstruction of drug regulatory personnel. They also contribute to intelligence exchanges, data sharing and coordinated actions with related departments.

The market regulation administration in the zone focuses on proposing policy measures to combat illegal activities threatening drug safety. This includes addressing issues in drug law enforcement practices, investigating violations in the retail, medical equipment and cosmetic product sectors, and combating trademark infringement and counterfeiting.

The administration also actively participates in coordinating efforts with public security agencies to provide evidence and support for legal actions carried out by higher drug regulatory authorities.

In August last year, Fujian established a provincial-level leading group on drug safety and industry promotion.