In a significant development, Atchariya Reuangrattanapong, Chairman of the Help Crime Victims Club, submitted crucial evidence to the cyber police on Thursday concerning a dietary supplement promoted by a renowned celebrity couple.
This evidence is aimed at prosecuting those involved on charges of fraud and uploading false information into a computer system after it was discovered that the supplement contained the banned substance sibutramine.
Mr. Atchariya revealed that he had procured a sample of the supplement directly from the company and had it tested by the Department of Medical Sciences four months ago.
The test results indicated the presence of sibutramine, a substance known to affect the central nervous system, reduce appetite, cause insomnia, and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. He claimed the supplement, heavily endorsed by a famous celebrity couple, was marketed as a weight loss aid, misleading consumers and constituting fraud.
In response to allegations that the tested supplement was counterfeit, Mr. Atchariya firmly stated that he purchased the product directly from the company and provided evidence of the transaction.
Meanwhile, actor Boromvudh “Mick” Hiranyasthiti and his actress wife Pornchita “Benz” Na Songkhla, along with their lawyer, addressed the issue in a press conference.
Benz, a presenter for the ITCHA brand supplement, asserted that the tested products were counterfeit, leading to public confusion and harming the product’s reputation.
The couple emphasized that counterfeits, which are cheaper due to containing sibutramine, are prevalent in the market. They noted that the genuine product has been legally sold for seven years and had previous presenters before Benz. To combat the counterfeit issue, the company had recalled products, changed packaging in April to include Benz’s signature, and reported the presence of counterfeits to the police.
The Consumer Protection Police Division has summoned Benz Pornchita and Mick Boromvut for questioning on June 17. The couple expressed their willingness to cooperate, despite not yet being contacted.
Dr. Narong Apikulwanich, Secretary-General of the FDA, assured that the investigation is routine, with samples collected according to lot numbers for further verification. He emphasized that appropriate actions would follow based on the investigation’s findings.
Additionally, the Consumer Protection Police Division disclosed that the FDA found ITCHA’s advertisements, promoted by Benz Pornchita, to be exaggerated. Legal action is expected, with a summons issued for the actress to acknowledge charges related to the exaggerated claims on June 17.
Sibutramine, used in weight-loss supplements, affects the central nervous system to reduce appetite, leading to quicker satiety. However, due to its significant health risks, including heart disease and stroke, it has been withdrawn from the market. (TNA)
