Dangerous Counterfeit Operation Uncovered in the Name of Dettol

What appears “original” on the outside can conceal a serious threat within. A counterfeit soap, indistinguishable at first glance from reputable Dettol products, was found to contain substandard and potentially harmful ingredients. The fake soaps, indistinguishable from genuine products by colour, packaging, or branding, had been circulating across various markets in Chattogram for an extended period. A coordinated criminal network was quietly jeopardising public health with their illicit trade.

A clandestine factory producing these counterfeit soaps was recently discovered in the Majzartek Shiklabaha area under Chattogram’s Karnaphuli police jurisdiction. On Sunday, 14 December, a mobile court operation was conducted at the site, coordinated by RAB-7 Chattogram, an Executive Magistrate from the RAB Headquarters, and representatives from the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI).

According to RAB-7, intelligence reports revealed that unscrupulous traders were illegally manufacturing and distributing fake soaps in the Shiklabaha area. The raid led to the discovery of the factory at Ward No. 2 of Shiklabaha Union, adjacent to the residence of local chairman Jahangir. While the building appeared externally as a standard auto-rickshaw garage, inside it was equipped with modern electronic machinery capable of full-scale soap production.

The operation recovered a substantial quantity of counterfeit soaps from multiple brands, raw materials, and manufacturing equipment. The illegal factory was immediately sealed, and the seized goods were confiscated.

BSTI inspector Abdur Rahim stated that the factory had been operating under the trade licence of a company called “Solid Corporation,” which legally permitted the production of ordinary solid soap. In reality, however, the facility was manufacturing counterfeit soaps imitating Dettol and international brand Liford, in complete violation of the law. The factory had no BSTI approval or quality certification, and the materials and production methods employed were dangerously substandard. These counterfeit soaps may contain chemicals capable of causing skin allergies, rashes, itching, and infections—particularly hazardous for children and those with sensitive skin.

Lieutenant Colonel Md. Hafizur Rahman, head of RAB-7, confirmed that the operation exposed a well-organised criminal syndicate. “They were deceiving the public by producing fake soaps in the guise of renowned local and international brands. This is not only an economic crime but a serious threat to public health. RAB-7 will continue its efforts to protect consumers,” he said.

During the raid, two workers were detained for questioning. RAB authorities are verifying their statements to identify the main perpetrators. Legal proceedings for the confiscated goods and equipment are ongoing.

Local residents reported unusual nighttime activity at the premises for months. One resident, Helal Uddin, said, “We knew it was an auto-rickshaw garage, but late at night there was constant activity. We had no idea counterfeit soaps were being produced here.” Consumers have expressed frustration at the difficulty of distinguishing genuine from fake products and are demanding exemplary punishment for those involved.

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