Garland, Texas — A North Texas couple has pleaded guilty in federal court to running an illegal online operation that sold millions of dollars’ worth of smuggled pesticides and misbranded veterinary drugs to customers across the United States, according to federal prosecutors.
The case, announced by the U.S. Department of Justice, centers on Thao Duong and Lam Mai, a Garland couple who admitted to conspiring to import and distribute products that were never approved for use in the United States. Authorities say the operation spanned several years and generated approximately $2.4 million in illegal sales.
How the illegal operation began
Federal investigators said Duong began selling animal care products online as early as 2011, using various digital platforms to reach customers nationwide. Prosecutors noted that the products were primarily marketed to individuals involved in rooster fighting ventures, an activity already under scrutiny by law enforcement due to animal cruelty and illegal gambling concerns.
According to court records, Duong was not a licensed veterinarian and did not require buyers to present veterinary prescriptions before purchasing powerful animal drugs. This directly violated federal regulations governing veterinary pharmaceuticals.
Among the products sold were Cipio Vet, Baytril Max, and Caterrol, drugs manufactured in Mexico and not approved by the FDA for use in the United States. Officials said these drugs were often mislabeled and improperly marketed, raising concerns about animal safety, public health, and environmental harm.
Smuggling drugs and pesticides across the border
Prosecutors detailed how the products entered the country illegally. According to the DOJ, Duong worked with several co-conspirators to acquire veterinary drugs and pesticides that had been smuggled from Mexico.
The products were brought into the U.S. through the Calexico Port of Entry in Imperial County, California, federal officials said. Once across the border, the merchandise was stored in storage units near the border, before being shipped onward to Texas.
Between 2018 and 2022, Duong allegedly obtained roughly $2.4 million worth of smuggled pesticides and veterinary drugs, all of which were later resold to customers throughout the country.
Website became main sales hub
In 2018, Duong launched a dedicated website that became the primary hub for the illegal sales operation, according to prosecutors. The site allowed customers to order products directly, without any regulatory oversight or prescription verification.
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Authorities said Duong knowingly entered agreements with suppliers who were smuggling the products into the U.S., despite being aware that the items were illegal to sell domestically.
Federal officials stressed that these pesticides and veterinary drugs posed serious risks because they bypassed safety testing and regulatory review required under U.S. law.
Lam Mai’s role in nationwide distribution
Court documents state that Lam Mai served as the shipping manager for the operation. Once orders were placed through the website, Mai packaged the pesticides and veterinary drugs and shipped them to customers across the country.
Shipments were sent using the United States Postal Service and other commercial carriers, according to prosecutors. Authorities said this allowed the couple to reach buyers in multiple states while concealing the illegal nature of the products.
Federal officials warn of public danger
Environmental and enforcement officials emphasized that the case highlights the dangers of unregulated chemicals entering U.S. communities.
“No one should profit from bringing illegal chemicals into the United States and poisoning American communities,” said Jeffrey A. Hall, Assistant Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.
“Illegal Mexican pesticides and animal steroids are a toxic combination. The guilty plea in this case underscores the importance of the cooperative efforts of federal, state, and local agencies to disrupt smuggling operations and secure our nation’s borders from foreign harm.”
Authorities noted that unapproved pesticides can contaminate soil and water, while misused veterinary drugs may harm animals and potentially enter the food supply.
What happens next
Duong and Mai have both pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges. They are scheduled to be sentenced on June 9, where they could face significant prison time, financial penalties, and forfeiture of proceeds tied to the illegal operation.
Federal prosecutors said the investigation involved coordination between multiple agencies and serves as a warning to others attempting to exploit online marketplaces to sell illegal products.
The case remains a reminder of how online sales platforms can be abused — and how closely such operations are now being monitored by federal authorities.
What do you think should be done to better regulate online sales of animal drugs and chemicals? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
