Authorities in Dak Lak Province have dismantled a large-scale operation producing thousands of tons of counterfeit fertilizer, led by a married couple from Ho Chi Minh City.

On January 22, Dak Lak Provincial Police announced the successful conclusion of an investigation into the production and sale of fake fertilizer on a significant scale.

Four individuals were arrested, including:

Nguyen Thi Cam My – CEO of Nam Duong Fertilizer Trading Joint Stock Company (born 1984, residing at 223 Hoa Lu Street, Dong Da Ward, Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province).

Bui Minh Chanh – CEO of US-VINA International Fertilizer Group Joint Stock Company (born 1983, residing at 11 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City).

Vo Thi Hong Nhung – Chief Accountant at Nam Duong Fertilizer Trading Joint Stock Company (born 1992, residing in An Thai Hamlet, Nhon Phuc Commune, An Nhon Town, Binh Dinh Province).

Nguyen Duong Thinh – Warehouse Accountant at Nam Duong Fertilizer Trading Joint Stock Company (born 1989, residing in Thu Thien Ha Hamlet, Binh Nghi Commune, Tay Son District, Binh Dinh Province).

Investigation and evidence seized

The operation came to light after the Economic Police Department in Dak Lak detected signs of counterfeit fertilizer sales at several retail outlets in the province.

Following directives from the provincial police chief, simultaneous raids were conducted at locations in Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Long An, Binh Dinh, and Ho Chi Minh City.

During the raids on the headquarters and production facilities of the two companies, authorities seized:

10,264 bags labeled as different NPK fertilizer products, weighing over 513 tons.

Over 4,000 tons of raw materials for fertilizer production.

Numerous documents, records, and other related evidence.

Further investigations at 32 fertilizer retailers across Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum provinces led to the confiscation of 848 tons of counterfeit fertilizer already distributed in the market.

The couple's operations extended across multiple provinces, underscoring the scale of the network.

The seized materials and products indicate the production of substandard fertilizers that could severely impact farmers’ livelihoods and agricultural productivity.

The arrests highlight the authorities’ commitment to combating counterfeit goods that jeopardize public trust and economic stability.

Hai Duong