Fake gallbladder drug kills nine

BEIJING - Nine people have died after being injected with a fake toxic drug made by a Chinese company and 14 executives have been detained for questioning.

The victims, all in Guangzhou, died after being injected with fake Armillarisni A, made by the Qiqihar No 2 Pharmaceutical Co Ltd., based in northeastern Heilongjiang province, Xinhua news agency quoted hospital sources as saying.

Police had taken five of the detained executives to Guangzhou for questioning, the China Daily said. The drug is used to treat gallbladder, liver and gastric disorders.

The consumption of fake and inferior quality products has claimed dozens of lives in China in recent years.

- REUTERS