Authorities said the suspects were being investigated for industrial property rights infringement after officers uncovered more than 70 tonnes of fake fertiliser worth an estimated VND 1.5 billion (USD 58,000).
The arrests followed coordinated raids on May 12 by Tay Ninh police and local authorities at a fertiliser production company in Duc Hoa Commune and five storage and distribution sites across Tay Ninh Province and Ho Chi Minh City.
Investigators said the group had used a company front to operate an inter-provincial counterfeit production and distribution network.
Police seized machinery, packaging labels and accounting records believed to be linked to the operation.
Authorities said the counterfeit products not only violated industrial property rights but also threatened agricultural production, farmers’ interests and fair competition in the fertiliser market.
The investigation is continuing as police seek to identify others involved in the network.
