JACKSON, MS—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Vicksburg/Jackson recently seized two shipments of more than 2,000 Lainhua Qingwen capsules and Balangen granules advertised to treat COVID-19 symptoms.
The medication, valued at nearly $3,000 originated from China, and were determined to contain mostly sugar and iron.
two shipments of more than 2,000 unauthorized capsules
originating from China.
“Our officers remain vigilant even during the COVID-19 pandemic by intercepting these types of shipments that could cause harm or even death to the citizens of this great country,” said Michael Morris, CBP Vicksburg/Jackson Port Director. “Keeping these types of unregulated medications out of the United States is a top priority for CBP.”
Lainhua Qingwen capsules and granules are advertised in China and other Asian countries as treating COVID-19 symptoms. However, their effectiveness is unknown so they remain unapproved for use in the United States and were seized in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), which prohibits the introduction of any food, drug, device, tobacco product, or cosmetic that is adulterated or misbranded. Undeclared or misnamed medication can result in heavy fines.
Fraudulent COVID-19 products continue to be a threat to the public health, and can cause consumers to delay or stop appropriate medical treatment. This can cause serious and life-threatening harm. Similar seizures have been made at ports of entry throughout the United States, including Baltimore, Seattle, and Chicago.
The Port of Vicksburg/Jackson falls under the Area Port of Mobile, Ala., which is a port of the CBP New Orleans Office of Field Operations, working to enable legitimate trade, contribute to American economic prosperity, and protect against risks to public health and safety across the Gulf Coast.