Fake Viagra from China Seized in Southern Taiwan

UNCLAS TAIPEI 003533

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR EAP/PD, EAP/TC AND INL/AAE

PLEASE PASS - AIT/WASHINGTON

CONGEN HONG KONG FOR DEA AND DHS

FROM AIT KAOHSIUNG BRANCH OFFICE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR ASEC EWWT ETRD PREL TW KS ESTH
SUBJECT: Fake Viagra from China Seized in Southern Taiwan


1. SUMMARY. Officials of the Ministry of Justice
Investigation Bureau (MJIB),Kaohsiung County station,
recently raided a trading company and its affiliated retail
shop in Kaohsiung County, Taiwan, and confiscated a large
quantity of ecstasy and counterfeit Viagra. The company's
owner was arrested. The MJIB inspectors determined that the
suspect, KO Bao-ji, has been trafficking a variety of
illicit substances, including ecstasy and Viagra, from China
into Taiwan for over three years. The seizure is estimated
to have a market value of USD 310,000. END SUMMARY.


2. On 21 August 2005, inspectors from MJIB's Kaohsiung
County office raided the Jing Yiao International Trading
Company and a shop located at Chiaotou Town, Koahsiung
County, Taiwan, and seized large quantity of illicit ecstasy
and Viagra. The seizure is estimated to have a market value
of USD 310,000. The MJIB inspectors arrested the owner of
the company. Director Hsiao Hsiang-tai of MJIB Kaohsiung
County office was reluctant to reveal details of the case,
but did note that the suspect, 35 years old, named KO Bao-ji
(STC 2688, 0202-0679) is suspected of carrying on the
smuggling operation for more than three years. He has
smuggled a variety of illicit goods into Taiwan, both by
using the trading company as a consignee for shipments
containing the contraband, and by mail. The suspect has
also personally traveled to China and carried back drugs for
sale in his shop. The suspect is believed to be a major
wholesaler of illicit drugs and fake Viagra in southern
Taiwan.


3. Hsiao stated that the county's health unit is examining
the drugs to determine if they contain components hazardous
to human health. According to Hsiao, the health officials
have stated that the counterfeit Viagra seized has different
ingredients than those found in the legitimate product. Due
to the on-going investigation, investigators would not
comment further. AIT/K will follow up as the investigation
unfolds.

Thiele

Paal