More than 40 tonnes of counterfeit alcohol sanitisers have been seized nationwide since the Covid-19 outbreak of February 20, according to the Ministry of Commerce’s General Directorate of Consumer Protection, Competition and Fraud Repression (CCF).

In a press release on May 18, the CCF said amid the pandemic, counterfeit sanitisers have been sold in many ways, including on social media.

CCF officials on May 18 confiscated 183 cans – more than 5,000 litres – of counterfeit alcohol sanitiser in Prey Sar commune’s Prakar village in Phnom Penh’s Dangkor district.

CCF said the owner had advertised the products on Facebook, and officials identified the location of the seller through pictures on the post. With permission from the municipal court, CCF officials used a mobile laboratory to test for methanol levels.

“As a result, we shut down the facility and seized the cans containing 5,490 litres of counterfeit alcohol sanitisers or methanol. We confiscated the products and are processing the case in accordance with legal procedures,” the statement said.

Counterfeit sanitisers were also found in other provinces including Svay Rieng, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear. CCF officials and local authorities in these provinces confiscated and destroyed 330 litres on May 18, according to CCF.

CCF added that methanol is a toxic substance. Using it as an antiseptic not only kill germs but also harms people’s health such as skin and eye irritation, headaches, and loss of consciousness. It can also be fatal if mixed with ethanol.

CCF called on wholesalers, retailers, pharmacies, supermarkets and importers not to sell methanol sanitisers. It does not help prevent the spread of Covid-19, and it is breaking the law.