Woman arrested on suspicion of illegally possessing and selling slimming products containing banned and controlled drug ingredients
In response to suspected illegal sales of slimming products containing banned and undeclared controlled drug ingredients on social media platforms, the Department of Health (DH) today (December 11) carried out enforcement operations in Tseung Kwan O and Tai Po with the Police. During the operations, a 27-year-old woman was arrested.
Acting upon intelligence, the DH had earlier purchased samples oftwo slimming products via an instant messaging application and sent them to the Government Laboratory for analysis. The test results revealed that one capsule sample, packaged in a black plastic container labelled "HELLO GIRL time to show your figure" (see photo 1), contained sibutramine and frusemide. The other capsule sample, packaged in an unlabelled blue plastic container (see photo 2), contained sibutramine, N-desmethylsibutramine and frusemide. All three ingredients are Part 1 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (PPO). The two products concerned are also suspected to be unregistered pharmaceutical products.
The DH urged members of the public who have purchased the products concerned to stop consuming them immediately, and reminded the public not to buy or consume products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources. The DH will continue to investigate the incident and take appropriate follow-up actions.
Sibutramine was once used as an appetite suppressant. Since November 2010, pharmaceutical products containing sibutramine have been banned for use and sale in Hong Kong due to an increased cardiovascular risk. N-desmethylsibutramine is a substance structurally similar to sibutramine. Frusemide is used for the treatment of heart diseases, and its side effects include low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalance. Medicines containing frusemide should be used under a doctor's direction and be supplied on the premises of an Authorized Seller of Poisons (i.e. pharmacy) under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor's prescription.
According to the PPO, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold in the market. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
The DH reminded members of the public that all registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.
People who have purchased the products concerned should stop consuming them immediately and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or if they feel unwell after consumption. They may submit the products to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1804-06, 18/F, Wing On Kowloon Centre, 345 Nathan Road, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.
Weight control should be achieved through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise. The public should consult healthcare professionals before consuming any medication for weight control. They may visit the website of the Drug Office of the DH for "Health message on overweight problem and slimming products" and "Slimming products with undeclared Western drug ingredients" for information.
Woman arrested on suspicion of illegally possessing and selling slimming products containing banned and controlled drug ingredients Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Woman arrested on suspicion of illegally possessing and selling slimming products containing banned and controlled drug ingredients Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
