Police storm store found over 300, 000 used condoms repacked for resale

Etim Effiong

The police have seized 300,000 used condoms which had reportedly been doused in boiling water and reshaped on a wooden phallus to be resold as new in Vietnam.

The condoms were confiscated from a warehouse near Ho Chi Minh City, following a tip-off from a resident, according to Associated Press (AP)

Footage broadcast by state outlet Vietnam Television showed dozens of large bags containing the used prophylactics scattered across the floor of the building in Binh Duong.

“The person renting the warehouse said they had received a monthly input of used condoms from an unknown person,” state newspaper Tuoi Tre reported.

A woman arrested during the raid told Police that the used prophylactics were first boiled in water, then dried and reshaped on a wooden phallus before being repackaged and resold.

The detained woman said she had received $0.17 (13p) for every kilogram of recycled condoms she produced.

It was not clear how many of the recycled condoms had already been sold, but it has been claimed that they were being traded in local markets.

The provincial market management director said the condoms had been confiscated as evidence but would be disposed of immediately after as they are considered hazardous medical waste.

According to a health official, Tse Sanh ghi, the condoms were an extreme health risk to users, he also said condoms are meant to be disposed after used, never to be washed or sold as new.