Hong Kong Customs seizes live soft-shell turtles, turtle and crocodile meat of suspected scheduled endangered species
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 4) seized three live soft-shell turtles, one live turtle and about 18 kilograms of crocodile meat of suspected endangered species at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point, with a total estimated market value of about $5,900.
Through risk assessment, Customs yesterday intercepted an incoming private car at the control point. After inspection, Customs officers found the live soft-shell turtles, a live turtle and crocodile meat of suspected scheduled endangered species contained in nylon bags inside a foam box from the car. The seizures were handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up actions.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting, or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
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 seizes live soft-shell turtles, turtle and crocodile meat of suspected scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
DH cracks down on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine
The Department of Health (DH) today (August 5) conducted operations across multiple districts in Hong Kong to crack down on the illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine, seizing approximately 100 boxes of suspected unregistered medicine claimed to have pain-relieving effects. Most of the products were labelled in Japanese. Additionally, a man was arrested on suspicion of violating the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Chapter 138) (the Ordinance).
The DH received a report that pain relief medicine classified as Part 1 poisons under the Ordinance were being sold or possessed on the market. However, the products were labelled in Japanese and were suspected of not being registered in Hong Kong. Hence, the DH officers today conducted unannounced inspections in various districts, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, Sheung Shui and Yuen Long. At an Authorized Seller of Poisons (ASP), commonly known as a pharmacy, a Listed Seller of Poisons (LSP) commonly known as a medicine company and two retail outlets, DH officers seized approximately 100 boxes of suspected unregistered medicine claimed to have pain-relieving effects. Most of the products were labelled in Japanese and did not bear a Hong Kong pharmaceutical product Registration Number. They are suspected to be medicine containing "Ibuprofen" and "dihydrocodeine". A 38-year-old man was arrested by the police on suspicion of contravention of drug-related offences, including, illegal possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part 1 Poisons.
The DH will continue to investigate and follow-up on the case, and will prosecute other individuals involved in the case when sufficient evidence is available.
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain killer and its side effects include nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort and peptic ulcers. Dihydrocodeine is an opioid analgesic used as a cough suppressant and for pain relief, and its side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation and drowsiness. Medicines containing Ibuprofen and dihydrocodeine are Part 1 poisons and should only be supplied by a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist or upon the advice of a medical practitioner.
The DH 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 or Part 1 poisons, 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 are criminal offences under the Ordinance, which upon conviction, are subject to a fine of up to $100,000 and an imprisonment for two years.
According to the Ordinance, 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 strongly urged members of the public to consult healthcare professionals before consuming any medication. Do not self-purchase or consume products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources as their safety, quality and efficacy are unguaranteed. The DH has prepared some safety information for consumers regarding the purchase and use of medicines, namely Be Cautious when Buying Medicines on Internet, General Knowledge on Registered Medicines, Be Cautious When Buying Medicines Overseas.
DH cracks down on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
DH cracks down on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
