Maker of fake drugs caught

BANDUNG, West Java: Police have arrested a manufacturer and distributor of fake medicines, confiscating some 11 million pills and capsules as well as production equipment.

Bandung Police chief Col. Erwin MAP said yesterday the arrest of the suspect, identified as Waz, 64, and the seizure of the evidence happened last week during raids at three buildings located separately on Jl. Cibaduyut and in Margahayu residential complex here.

"The fake drugs, mostly in the form of tablets, indicated that they could cure some illnesses including malaria, rheumatism, allergy, diabetes and stomachache, as well as some contraceptive pills and several antibiotics," Erwin said.

Waz confessed he produced and sold fake medicines bearing the names of several popular brands such as Biomed, Phapros, Ciba, PT Darya Varya Laboratoria, Menheim, Roche, Dexamedika, Scehering AG and Johnson for about 15 years, said Erwin as quoted by Antara. (09)