DH clamps down on trafficking in dangerous drug and illegal sale or possession of unregistered anti-obesity medicine
In light of the fact that there are people illegally selling or possessing unregistered anti-obesity medicine that is Part 1 poison and prescription drug under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138), the Department of Health (DH) announced today (April 20) that it has stepped up inspection and enforcement efforts across Hong Kong in recent days. In collaboration with the Police, five men suspected of violating drug-related laws were arrested and a large quantity of unregistered drugs were seized. These included unregistered anti-obesity drugs labelled in Japanese as containing tirzepatide.
The DH carried out an enforcement operation with the Police last Friday (April 17) to search a registered pharmacy in Sha Tin District. Over 400 tablets of the dangerous drug clonazepam, 20 items of unregistered pharmaceutical products which included six boxes of anunregistered anti-obesity medicine labelled in Japanese as containing tirzepatide, and over 30 other items of controlled medicines, including over 2 700 tablets of zolpidem, were seized. During the operation, four men aged between 25 and 55 were arrested on suspicion of contravention of drug-related offences, including trafficking in a dangerous drug, illegal possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products, and failing to store Part 1 poisons in a locked receptacle, etc.
Earlier today, the DH carried out another enforcement operation with the Police against a registered pharmacy in Jordan, arresting a 36-year-old man. He is suspected of illegally selling an anti-obesity medicine (a Part 1 poison containing tirzepatide as indicated in Japanese on the product labels) and an unregistered pharmaceutical product, as well as failing to store Part 1 poisons in a locked receptable. The operation also resulted in the seizure of 13 boxes of unregistered anti-obesity medicine labelled in Japanese as containing tirzepatide.
The DH investigations continue.
Tirzepatide is used for the treatment of obesity, and its side effects include vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea. Medicines containing tirzepatide, zolpidem, and clonazepam are Part 1 poisons and prescription drugs under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance , should be used under a doctor's direction and must be supplied on the premises of a registered pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor's prescription. Furthermore, clonazepam is a dangerous drug regulated under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 134).
The DH emphasised that it has an established mechanism to monitor the sale of pharmaceutical products in the market (including the Internet). If the DH detects any suspected illegal sale or possession of pharmaceutical products, Part 1 poisons or dangerous drugs, the DH will promptly investigate, and, if necessary, refer the case to other law enforcement agencies to follow up, or conduct joint operations with other law enforcement agencies, and any irregularities so found will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons and failing to store Part 1 poisons in locked receptacles are criminal offences under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138), which upon conviction, are subject to a fine of up to $100,000 and an imprisonment for two years. Furthermore, any person who traffics in a dangerous drug shall be liable upon conviction to a fine of $5,000,000 andimprisonment for life under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.
According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138), all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. The DH reminded 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.
The DH reminded the public that 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.
The Department of Health (DH) has stepped up inspection and enforcement efforts across Hong Kong in recent days, arresting five men suspected of violating drug-related laws and seizing a large quantity of unregistered drugs in collaboration with the Police. Photo shows four DH staff members carrying out an enforcement operation at a registered pharmacy in Jordan. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Department of Health has stepped up inspection and enforcement efforts across Hong Kong in recent days, arresting five men suspected of violating drug-related laws and seizing a large quantity of unregistered drugs in collaboration with the Police. Photo shows seized unregistered anti-obesity drugs labelled in Japanese as containing tirzepatide. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film Archive to present screening programme "Journeys to the West: Cinematic Dialogues Across Time"
The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will present a programme entitled "Journeys to the West: Cinematic Dialogues Across Time" from June 27 to July 11 at the Hall of the East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC) and the Cinema of the HKFA. This screening programme will showcase three pairings of films with six classic adaptations of the masterpiece novel "Journey to the West" in different eras and styles, demonstrating the diverse interpretations and artistic renderings by filmmakers across generations. This screening programme is part of the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the HKFA and the Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) 2026.
"Journey to the West" is a well-known fantasy novel about the adventures of a master and his disciples who defeat and vanquish demons and monsters. By blending cautionary philosophies with meticulous characterisations, it established its own distinct style which inspired countless film productions. From monk Xuanzang's real-life epic journey, to the gods and demons depicted by a Ming dynasty novelist, and waves of film adaptations in post-war Hong Kong, this Chinese cultural gem remains engaging and inspiring to this day through constant dialogue and innovations across time.
The opening screening will feature the HKFA's newly 4K digitally restored versions of "A Chinese Odyssey Part One - Pandora's Box" (1995) and "A Chinese Odyssey Part Two - Cinderella" (1995). Departing from the original novel, the film focuses on the plight of the Monkey King, played by Stephen Chow, becoming a bandit after reincarnation and his emotional attachments under the vivid imagination of director and screenwriter Jeff Lau. Amidst Chow's brilliant comedic performance, the Monkey King is embroiled in a doomed romance that pulls at the heartstrings, making the films an enduring legend in Hong Kong comedy cinema.
"The Monkey Goes West" (1966) and "Princess Iron Fan" (1966) by the Shaw Brothers showcase the prowess of major film studios at the time with gorgeous costumes, meticulous set designs and intensive special effects. "The Monkey Goes West" follows the encounters between the Monkey King, his master and fellow apprentices and the White Dragon Horse on their westward journey to seek sacred scriptures, while "Princess Iron Fan" tells the stories of the Monkey King putting out the flames of the Fiery Mountains and his fights against the White Bone Demons to rescue his master. As fine specimens of how a literary classic is reimagined as intriguing fantasies with songs and dance in the 1960s, the Monkey King, played by Elliot Yueh, sings songs in the style of huangmei diao in "The Monkey Goes West", while in "Princess Iron Fan", the brilliant fighting scenes of the White Bone Demons, played by emerging actresses Cheng Pei-pei and Lily Ho, are interspersed with songs and dances.
In "The Monkey King" (2014), directed by Soi Cheang, the unique Hong Kong-style action design is buttressed by advanced computer-generated imagery. The story also adds a layer of sincerity and an innocent pursuit of freedom to the classic character of the Monkey King, played by action star Donnie Yen, highlighting the spree of oppressions by the celestial gatekeeper before the Monkey King wreaks havoc and breaks through the gate. In "The Monkey King 2" (2016), the costume design and special effects of the White Bone Demon, played by Gong Li, exude feminine grace and allure with stunning glamour. The film also adds a tragic backstory that drives the White Bone Demon to villainy with infernal determination, breathing modern sensibility into the traditional tale.
The screening times of the three pairs of film are as follows:
First pair |
June 27 (Saturday)
The Hall, EKCC |
3pm |
A Chinese Odyssey Part One - Pandora's Box (4K Digitally Restored Version) |
7.30pm |
A Chinese Odyssey Part Two - Cinderella (4K Digitally Restored Version) |
Second pair |
July 4 (Saturday)
Cinema, HKFA |
1.30pm |
The Monkey Goes West |
5pm |
Princess Iron Fan |
Third pair |
July 11 (Saturday)
Cinema, HKFA |
1.30pm |
The Monkey King |
5pm |
The Monkey King 2 |
Tickets for screenings at the EKCC priced at $70 and those for screenings at the HKFA priced at $60 will be available from May 22 (Friday) at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). There is a 20 per cent discount for each purchase of two or more regular-priced tickets for different screenings in the same designated pair. For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme details, please call 2739 2139 or visit the HKFA website at www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2026/ccf-journeys-to-the-west/pe-event-2026-ccf-journeys-to-the-west.html.
The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office under the LCSD, aims to promote Chinese culture and enhance the public's sense of national identity and cultural confidence, thereby facilitating patriotic education. It also aims to attract top-notch artists and arts groups from the Chinese Mainland and other parts of the world for exchanges in Chinese arts and culture. The CCF 2026 will be held from June to September. It will host various forms of distinctive stage programmes and related extension activities, film screenings, thematic exhibitions, talks, workshops, as well as community and school activities, affording the public and visitors more opportunities to appreciate and experience the beauty of fine traditional Chinese culture. For more information about programmes and activities of the CCF 2026, please visitwww.ccf.gov.hk.
Film Archive to present screening programme "Journeys to the West: Cinematic Dialogues Across Time" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film Archive to present screening programme "Journeys to the West: Cinematic Dialogues Across Time" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film Archive to present screening programme "Journeys to the West: Cinematic Dialogues Across Time" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film Archive to present screening programme "Journeys to the West: Cinematic Dialogues Across Time" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Film Archive to present screening programme "Journeys to the West: Cinematic Dialogues Across Time" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
