Narinjara, May 14, 2025 

Reports have indicated that fraudulent medicines and food items are being brought into Rakhine State from Bangladesh and India. 

The appropriate authorities of the Arakan National League/Arakanese Army (ULA/AA) are examining the imported pharmaceuticals and food items from neighboring nations. 

A pertinent official associated with ULA/AA informed Narinjara that recently discovered counterfeit medicines and food items imported into Rakhine from Bangladesh and India have been found to include fake products. As a result of that situation, ULA/AA checkpoints are conducting drug tests to assess if they are fake or genuine. 

“Certain markets in Bangladesh and India are filled with counterfeits and can be easily accessed in border regions. Inexpensive food and medications can be found. We verify them to ensure that residents do not utilize them in our own Rakhine State. When traders deliver them, they undergo inspection. There is no prohibition on authentic medications and safe food. If food products and medicines are counterfeit, they are held. This is the process of the government of the Rakhine people," he stated. 

He mentioned that ULA/AA is carrying out these inspections since certain traders from Rakhine aim to profit by importing counterfeit medicines and food through different methods. 

"Not every trader is engaging in this. Certain selfish individuals purchase the medications/food that are being sold unlawfully there. Upon arrival, they offer them for sale at prices comparable to the genuine article. That is the reason we are conducting these inspections," he stated. 

While some traders importing counterfeit items have voiced grievances regarding these inspections, a woman trader expressed that ULA/AA's measures are justified. 

"This type of inquiry is beneficial. Any item that has numerous side effects ought to be prohibited. Even kids can perish if they consume hazardous foods. We too are not exempt from individuals and substances. Regular traders like us cannot distinguish between genuine and counterfeit medicines," he stated. 

Due to the potential side effects of fake medications and food items, the residents of Rakhine state are demanding a comprehensive investigation and a declaration that these products are counterfeit. 

Illicit substances with names resembling those of registered medications are also available in global markets, and health research studies indicate that there have been fatalities linked to the consumption of counterfeit drugs.