The truth behind the "three-generation herbal remedy for joint pain": it's revealed to be nothing but "dried leaves".

Authorities have just uncovered a network producing and selling "Hoang Minh Duong herbal poultices for joint pain" of unknown origin. The group extensively advertised online, sold to over 80,000 people, and illegally profited more than 200 billion VND.

Authorities have recently uncovered a ring producing and selling herbal products of unknown origin, heavily advertised on social media under the name "Hoang Minh Duong herbal poultice for joint pain." According to initial investigations, the group collected various forest plants, leaves, and medicinal herbs of unknown origin from different locations, then processed and packaged them into products for sale at high prices, earning hundreds of billions of dong in illicit profits.

According to information from the investigating agency, the individuals in this ring purchased large quantities of natural ingredients such as leaves, roots, and various medicinal herbs of unknown origin. After collection, the ingredients were washed, dried, and then chopped. Next, these components were ground into powder or mixed together before being packaged into small bags for sale to consumers.

These products were then widely advertised on social media platforms under the name "Hoang Minh Duong herbal poultice for bone and joint problems." In the promotional posts, the product was presented as a traditional family remedy passed down through generations, capable of supporting the treatment of many bone and joint-related conditions such as osteoarthritis, sciatica, and herniated discs. These advertisements quickly attracted the attention of many people experiencing health problems.

To increase credibility, the group also created the image of a professionally operating traditional medicine clinic. They set up a workshop, built an operational system with many employees, and created the image of a reputable traditional medicine facility.

Furthermore, some employees were assigned to play the role of "cured patients" to share positive experiences with the product. These stories were spread on social media to create a psychological effect and increase confidence among patients. This promotional method led many people to believe in the product and decide to purchase it.

The investigation revealed that the group had also built a large-scale online sales system with dozens of consultants. When a customer arrived, the consultants would ask detailed questions about their health condition, then provide a treatment plan and advise the patient to purchase medication according to the treatment regimen. Thanks to direct consultation combined with extensive advertising, the product was sold to many people across the country.

Data from the sales system shows that during its operation, this network supplied products to more than 80,000 customers. The total amount of illicit profit is estimated at over 200 billion VND. What is worrying is that many people, after using the products and not seeing any results, continued to buy more because they believed the advice or advertisements they found online.

Medical experts warn that using medications or treatment products of unknown origin can pose serious health risks. In some cases, using these products not only fails to improve the condition but can also worsen it.

According to Article 194 of the 2015 Penal Code, those who manufacture or trade counterfeit drugs can be sentenced to imprisonment from 2 to 20 years. In cases involving large-scale illicit gains or serious consequences for public health, the sentence can be life imprisonment. Authorities are currently expanding their investigation to clarify the roles of each individual involved in this network.