$2m worth of fake drugs seized in Myanmar

Myanmar authorities have seized K2.8 billion ($2.2 million) worth of counterfeit and expired drugs.

The seizure, which was carried out in places such as Bogyoke market in Yangon, also confiscated production materials.

Twelve men and two women have reportedly been detained and may face a fine of up to K500,000, as well as up to seven years in prison, according to news website  Myanmar Times.

The drug sting took place between August 31 and September 12, said the website. The report said that 44 types of counterfeit drugs were uncovered.

General Aung Soe, deputy home affairs minister, reportedly said: “These people are distributing and selling imitation medicines and if the public buys and uses them, significant harm can occur. We will take action against all the relevant people in this case.”

U Khin Maung Cho, union industry minister, reportedly added: “The imitation medicine business cannot be forgiven and it can cause people trouble. So we are announcing [the operation] clearly today.”