18th February 2025 – (Beijing) A popular Chinese influencer with more than 5 million followers has been arrested for selling weight-loss pills that contained an illegal prescription drug, Mainland media reported on Tuesday. The product, marketed as a “miracle slimming pill,” caused consumers to experience severe side effects, including diarrhea and vomiting. Tests later revealed that the pills contained Benzylfluazide, a diuretic used to treat fluid retention.
The investigation, led by Beijing’s public security bureau with help from food and drug safety officials, uncovered a criminal network involved in producing and distributing harmful food products. The operation was dismantled in August 2024, and ten people were arrested in connection with the case.
The influencer, known by her surname Xu, had promoted the pills, branded as “Pink Tablets,” during live-stream sales events. One of the customers, Ms. Li, who suffered serious side effects, discovered fake reviews and reported the issue to Beijing’s Haidian District Market Supervision Department.
Cui Chen, team leader of the environmental, food, and drug safety unit at Haidian District Public Security Bureau, confirmed that the pills contained Benzylfluazide. When consumed in large amounts, the drug can cause serious health risks such as allergic reactions, low potassium levels, high blood sugar, and sugar in the urine.
Authorities revealed that the criminal group outsourced the manufacturing of the pills to a factory, which hid the presence of the prescription drug. The pills, which cost under 1 yuan (about HK$1.10) to produce, were sold for 69.9 yuan (approximately HK$74.80).
