French Customs Seizes 1.2 Million Doses of Counterfeit Aspirin
On May 25, 2013, France’s Ministry of Economy announced the largest seizure of counterfeit medication ever made by France and the European Union. French customs agents in Le Havre discovered 1.2 million doses of counterfeit aspirin hidden in a shipment of tea originating from China. The goods in the shipment were destined for a Spanish company located in the Balearic Islands that authorities suspect to be a shell corporation.
Who: French and European Union Customs Service.
When: May 25, 2013, May17-25, 2013.
Where: Le Havre, France
How: Customs search of tea shipment from China.
Additional details: The counterfeit aspirin contained no active ingredient. It was made primarily of glucose.
Related sources:
“ Plus d’un million de sachets d’aspirine de contrefaçon saisis, un record (French),” Agence France Presse. May 25, 2013.
“ France Seized Huge Counterfeit Aspirin,” Finland Times. May 27, 2013.
“ Million doses of fake aspirin from China,” MSN Money New Zealand. May 26, 2013.
“ 1.2 million doses of fake aspirin seized in France,” New Europe.eu. May 27, 2013.
“ Million doses of fake aspirin from China seized in France,” Bangkok Post. May 26, 2013.
“ Million doses of fake aspirin from China,” Herald Sun. May 26, 2013.