Hong Kong Customs seizes injection vials with suspected controlled substances worth about $150,000
Hong Kong Customs on June 14 and 15 seized 161 vials of anti-obesity injections suspected to contain Part 1 poisons, with an estimated market value of about $150,000.
Customs officers on June 14 inspected three postal packets imported from Japan at the Air Mail Centre. Upon inspection, Customs officers found and seized 144 anti-obesity injection vials suspected to contain Part 1 poisons from the consignment.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation the following day (June 15) at the consignee's address in To Kwa Wan and arrested a 31-year-old female consignee. Seventeen injection vials with controlled anti-obesity substances, suspected to contain Part 1 poisons, were further seized at the consignee's address.
Investigations are ongoing. The arrested person has been released on bail.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person who imports pharmaceutical products and medicines without a valid import licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years.
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs on June 14 and 15 seized 161 vials of anti-obesity injections suspected to contain Part 1 poisons, with an estimated market value of about $150,000. Photo shows the suspected controlled injections seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
London ETO and InvestHK support Walpole APAC Forum to promote Hong Kong's business advantages
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London (London ETO) and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) supported the Walpole APAC Forum (the Forum) in London on June 15 (London time), promoting Hong Kong's role as an ideal springboard for United Kingdom (UK) luxury brands seeking to expand across Asia.
Organised by Walpole, an organisation representing British luxury brands, the Forum brought together senior executives and industry leaders from the retail, travel, marketing and professional services sectors. The programme covered market trends, consumer insights and branding strategies across the Asia-Pacific region, with particular focus on opportunities in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Forum was attended by about 60 participants from the relevant sectors.
In her welcome remarks, the Director-General of the London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, highlighted Hong Kong's distinctive role as a natural starting point for brands seeking to enter and scale in Asia. She said Hong Kong thrives on a robust common law system, strong intellectual property protection, free flow of capital, a simple and competitive tax regime, world-class logistics, and a diverse talent pool. She also promoted the launch of The Festival of Connoisseurs in Hong Kong later this year.
The Head of Consumer and Hospitality of InvestHK, Ms Sindy Wong, spoke at the discussion panel, she said, "Hong Kong remains a competitive and resilient luxury market, underpinned by steady wealth growth, a growing ultra-high-net-worth population and a gradual recovery in retail performance. As an international gateway between Chinese Mainland and the international market, Hong Kong brings together a diverse and discerning consumer base. Coupled with its proximity to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the city provides an ideal platform for UK luxury brands to enter, test and scale their presence across Asia, supported by strong market fundamentals and excellent regional connectivity."
During the Forum, the London ETO and InvestHK exchanged views with representatives of British luxury brands and other industry stakeholders, introducing Hong Kong's latest business environment and development opportunities, and encouraging companies to leverage Hong Kong as an important base for expanding into Asian markets and further developing their business in the region.
London ETO and InvestHK support Walpole APAC Forum to promote Hong Kong's business advantages Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
London ETO and InvestHK support Walpole APAC Forum to promote Hong Kong's business advantages Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
London ETO and InvestHK support Walpole APAC Forum to promote Hong Kong's business advantages Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
