On March 21, 2025, the People's Court of Bac Lieu province delivered a significant verdict, sentencing two individuals to ten years in prison for their involvement in producing and selling counterfeit plant protection drugs. The accused, Nguyen Van Nho, 39, from An Giang province, and Tran Quoc Huan, 44, from Bac Lieu province, were found guilty of egregiously violating laws aimed at consumer protection and intellectual property rights.
The trial, held in Bac Lieu, was the culmination of a police operation that began on December 23, 2023, when authorities apprehended Huan at his business located in Hung Thanh commune, Vinh Loi district. During this raid, police discovered Huan engaged in the illegal sorting of unidentified plant protection drugs, preparing them for sale under the reputable labels of Syngenta and Bayer.
According to the investigation, more than 2,450 bottles and packages of counterfeit plant protection products linked to Syngenta Vietnam and Bayer Vietnam were confiscated by law enforcement. Subsequent assessments identified roughly 2,357 of these products as counterfeits, with the estimated equivalent value of genuine products exceeding 500 million VND.
The court revealed that Nho acted as Huan's supplier, having established a business arrangement with him. This partnership was reportedly forged around June 2022 through social media channels, allowing them to exchange various brands of fake plant protection drugs at prices significantly lower than those found in standard market transactions.
As per the charges, Nho facilitated the supply of raw materials necessary for the illicit operation. This involved not only the sale of counterfeit drugs but also providing packaging materials, such as cartons and labels, which were cleverly affixed to present the appearance of authentic products from reputable companies.
In an intent to deceive, Huan carefully labeled the counterfeit drugs and packaged them for sale to unsuspecting farmers, thereby maximizing their illegal profits while undermining efforts to maintain the integrity of agricultural practices and product safety standards.
The consequences of their actions extend beyond legal repercussions; they represent a broader threat to public health and safety, putting at risk the agricultural ecosystem in Vietnam. By selling substandard products, these individuals not only violated the law but also betrayed the trust of local farmers who rely on quality plant protection drugs to safeguard their crops.
The court's ruling underscored the serious nature of the crime, with the judges noting the severe social ramifications of such activities. “The actions of Nguyen Van Nho and Tran Quoc Huan are dangerous for society, violating the rules of the state in market management and harming the interests of consumers,” the judges stated during the sentencing.
As the hearing concluded, both Nho and Huan accepted responsibility for their actions, indicating their awareness of their legal violations and the potential ramifications of their fraudulent activities. Their cooperation during the trial, however, did not mitigate the severity of the punishment, as the court emphasized a need for strict deterrent measures against such unscrupulous practices.
With the conclusion of this case, local authorities reiterated their commitment to combating the proliferation of counterfeit agricultural products. They have called for stricter regulatory measures and increased vigilance among farmers and consumers alike to ensure only legitimate products populate the market.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks and consequences associated with the illegal trade of counterfeit goods, urging listeners and farmers to remain vigilant against such fraudulent practices.
Moving forward, authorities are expected to implement more rigorous monitoring and enforcement strategies, as they seek to protect both the integrity of the agricultural sector and the health of consumers across Vietnam.
