DH continues crackdown on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine
The Department of Health (DH) today (August 6) continued to conduct operations across multiple districts in Hong Kong to crack down on the illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine, seizing more than 140 boxes of suspected unregistered medicine claimed to have pain-relieving effects. Most of the products were labelled in Japanese. Additionally, two men were arrested on suspicion of violating the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Chapter 138) (the Ordinance).
Following yesterday's unannounced inspections in various districts, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, Sheung Shui and Yuen Long, DH officers conducted enforcement operations in Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok today. At three retail outlets, DH officers seized more than 140 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. Two men aged 36 and 40 were arrested by the Police on suspicion of contravention of drug-related offences, including illegal possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part 1 Poisons etc.
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 purchase or consume products of doubtful composition, or from unknown sources, as their safety, quality and efficacy are not guaranteed. The DH has prepared some safety information for consumers regarding the purchase and use of medicines, namelyBe Cautious when Buying Medicines on Internet,General Knowledge on Registered Medicines,Be Cautious When Buying Medicines Overseas.
The Department of Health today (August 6) continued to conduct operations across multiple districts in Hong Kong to crack down on the illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine, seizing more than 140 boxes of suspected unregistered medicine claimed to have pain-relieving effects. Most of the products were labelled in Japanese. Additionally, two men were arrested on suspicion of violating the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Chapter 138). Photo shows the suspected unregistered medicine seized during the operation. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Department of Health today (August 6) continued to conduct operations across multiple districts in Hong Kong to crack down on the illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine, seizing more than 140 boxes of suspected unregistered medicine claimed to have pain-relieving effects. Most of the products were labelled in Japanese. Additionally, two men were arrested on suspicion of violating the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Chapter 138). Photo shows the suspected unregistered medicine seized during the operation. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
