Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 23) conducted an anti-counterfeit medicine operation and seized about 58 000 suspected counterfeit medicine pills, as well as about 115 000 pills and 9 litres of suspected controlled medicines, with an estimated market value of about $1.72 million.
Customs earlier received information alleging the sale of suspected counterfeit medicines at shops in Sheung Shui. With the assistance of the relevant trademark owner, Customs officers conducted investigations and found suspected counterfeit medicines being sold at a medicine shop in the district.
After further investigation, Customs officers conducted an operation and raided the medicine shop and its two storages yesterday. A total of about 58 000 suspected counterfeit medicine pills, as well as about 115 000 pills and 9 litres of suspected controlled medicines were seized.
During the operation, two men including a 24-year-old salesperson and a 32-year-old person in charge of the medicine store were arrested. Investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement and co-operate closely with relevant trademark owners, government departments and organisations, in keeping close track of the market and combating counterfeit medicine activities.
Customs reminds traders that selling counterfeit medicine is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five 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. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected sale of counterfeit medicine activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, November 24, 2017
