China arrests nearly 2,000 in fake drug crackdown

(Reuters)

China's Ministry of Public Security says it has detained nearly 2,000 people in a nationwide crackdown on counterfeit drugs, including some to treat cancer.

It said in a statement on its website Sunday that it also seized about $180 million worth of fake medicine and false trademark logos.

The statement said the fake drugs were sold for the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, skin diseases and other "complicated illnesses," including cancer.

China has struggled in recent years to combat the production and sale of fake drugs. The director of China's food and drug agency was executed in 2007 for approving deadly fake medicine in exchange for cash.

The government has introduced more regulations in recent years to tighten safety in its drug and food industries.