Bangkok: The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD) led a significant raid on an operation producing counterfeit MSG and seasoning powders. The police action targeted a large-scale operation that was engaged in weighing, packaging, and preparing these counterfeit products for distribution to retailers and wholesalers in the Nong Khaem and Bang Khae market areas.

According to Thai News Agency, the operation resulted in the arrest of seven suspects who were caught in the act of producing counterfeit seasoning powders of a popular brand. Authorities seized a significant haul, including 4,804 counterfeit MSG sachets, 1,532 counterfeit seasoning powder sachets, and empty boxes of a popular seasoning brand purchased from a secondhand shop. The total seized items, including various raw materials and production equipment, amounted to over 24,918 items.

Further investigations led to the arrest of several small-scale dealers in Chaiyaphum province, unveiling a network that had been producing and distributing counterfeit MSG and seasoning powders for more than three months. The network operated out of a residence in Bangkok, producing and packaging these products illegally, then transporting them at night to avoid detection. Raids were conducted at four locations, including a house in the Bang Khun Thian-Nong Khaem area, a shop in Bang Khae market, and a pickup truck parked at a gas station in Sam Khok district, Pathum Thani province. The premises and materials used were found to be substandard and potentially harmful to consumer health.

Mr. Kriangkrai, one of the suspects, confessed to operating the counterfeit production for about two years. He admitted to producing goods on order with a daily capacity of 1,500 sachets, delivering them to roadside locations or sending them via private courier services to avoid detection. He confirmed having regular customers who consistently placed orders.

The investigation also uncovered that numerous retail and wholesale stores in the Nong Khaem and Bang Khae market areas were involved in selling counterfeit MSG and seasoning powders bearing fake trademarks. The suspects confessed to all charges and are being prosecuted under the Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (1991) for jointly counterfeiting and possessing for sale goods bearing counterfeit trademarks.