Despite a ban on the products, so-called aphrodisiacs or “love-potions” can easily be found at vendors, on streets, at drugstores or even before universities in HCM City.
This kind of medicines is also sold on different online forums advertising their wonderful effects.
One popular 'aphrodisiac'
Posing as a customer, a reporter contacted a man named Trung, whose mobile phone was posted on a forum called Vozfor. He was said to be a seasoned trader of aphrodisiacs.
Trung told the reporter during a phone call that all his products were available on his website, most, he said, were imported from Spain and other European countries and so were quite expensive.
When the reporters showed interest, Trung agreed to meet at a café. He brought with him a nylon bag full of aphrodisiacs at various prices. Many of his products carried labels from Hong Kong or China, but he explained that it was because they were shipped through these places.
The shop available at shopbcs.net is also home to many sex toys and aphrodisiacs with medium prices. The shop owner said products originated from China are best sellers because most of their buyers are students.
“Love-potions” sold in front of universities
One type of 'aphrodisiac' has been especially trendy among HCM City students of late, being sold at small local markets and traditional medicine shops and even eye wear stores near universities. One student said that around half of the traditional medicine stalls around Thu Duc University sell this.
One of the shop owners told reporters that the price was VND50,000-80,000 (USD2.3-3.8) per bottle, and, "You must mix it with a cup of water or beer. Don't worry about getting caught, because it is oderless and tasteless." She also offered other types which she claimed had more potency at a higher price.
The areas around overpasses at the Binh Phuoc intersection, in Thu Duc District, are among the most populated with sellers of these drugs, some disguised as sunglasses vendors.
One of them, named Hai, who works around Mien Dong Bus Station, said that most sellers of lighters and sunglasses also offer these substances to earn extra money. When asked if he was afraid of being caught, he said, "Even if I'm caught I'll just get a fine. It's not like I'll be sent to prison."
Nguyen Van Vinh, a pharmacist and Head of Medicine Management Board, of the HCM City Department of Health, said that there is no actual known aphrodisiac and no local health agencies have licensed their sales.
Tobacco stalls sell love potions
At least seven stalls selling these goods within 100 metres