Pathum thani: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Pathum Thani Provincial Public Health Office, has successfully dismantled a large-scale illegal factory producing counterfeit cough syrup, seizing over 100,000 bottles valued at 30 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, the Central Investigation Bureau, the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Pathum Thani Provincial Public Health Office conducted a joint operation targeting a network involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit cough syrup in Pathum Thani province. During the operation, authorities confiscated ready-made cough syrup, machinery, production equipment, and raw materials, with a total seized value exceeding 30 million baht.
The investigation was initiated following a tip-off received by the Consumer Protection Police Division 4 from social media, which highlighted the misuse of cough syrup and certain liquid medications in combination with kratom for intoxication. This mixture, known as "4x100," is feared to be a gateway for teenagers to transition to more potent forms of drug abuse. To curb the spread of such substances among youth, authorities have been rigorously monitoring the production and sale of liquid allergy and cough medications that could be used in these concoctions.
Subsequent police investigations identified an illegal network producing and packaging counterfeit cough syrup in Pathum Thani Province. On June 19, 2026, police officers from Division 4, Consumer Protection Police Division, along with FDA officials and representatives from the Pathum Thani Provincial Public Health Office, executed search warrants at four locations linked to the counterfeit production and distribution.
The raids took place at multiple sites: a storage and sales location in Khlong Hok Subdistrict, a production facility in Lam Luk Ka Subdistrict, and equipment storage locations in Rangsit Subdistrict. As a result, authorities seized 139,400 bottles of counterfeit Datissin cough syrup, over 4,000 bottles in production, and a substantial number of empty bottles, caps, packaging materials, and counterfeit labels.
Further investigations revealed that the offenders frequently changed production sites to avoid detection, sourcing ingredients and packaging materials from various locations. The network was found to prioritize profit over consumer safety, repeatedly engaging in illegal activities without regard for public health.
These actions violate the Narcotics Act of 1967, with offenses including "manufacturing modern medicine without permission," punishable by up to 5 years' imprisonment and fines, and "producing and selling counterfeit drugs," which carries penalties ranging from 3 years to life imprisonment and significant fines.
Ms. Suphatra Boonsearm, Secretary-General of the FDA, emphasized the importance of public vigilance and reporting of any misuse of medication, particularly concerning its combination in "4x100" drinks. She highlighted the health hazards associated with counterfeit drugs produced in unsanitary conditions and urged consumers to verify products through the FDA's resources.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Nattasak Chaowanasai, commander of the Royal Thai Police Investigation Bureau, reiterated the ongoing efforts of the CPPD and FDA in monitoring and addressing the illegal production and sale of hazardous drugs, particularly those misused by vulnerable groups and teenagers.
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities or products to the relevant authorities through established hotlines and online platforms to help safeguard public health and safety.