Customs officers yesterday (June 1) smashed a distribution centre for suspected counterfeit soy sauce, resulting in the seizure of 197 kilograms of counterfeit soy sauce and sweetened vinegar, worth $1,147, and the arrest of three people.
Customs officers from the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau promptly conducted an operation yesterday based on the information given by a trade mark owner.
They raided a distributor in Sheung Wan and two outlets in Tai Po and Sham Shui Po respectively, and seized 78 kilograms of suspected counterfeit soy sauce.
In follow-up enquiries, they raided a food trading company in To Kwa Wan and seized 102 kilograms of suspected counterfeit soy sauce and 17 kilograms of suspected counterfeit sweetened vinegar.
Customs officers arrested three men, aged between 45 and 59. They have been bailed out pending further investigations.
Samples of the seized soy sauce and sweetened vinegar have been sent to the Government Laboratory for testing.
If members of the public suspect that they have purchased counterfeit soy sauce similar to those seized by Customs, they are advised to contact the trade mark owner at 2340 0241.
The Divisional Commander of the Customs Trade Descriptions Investigation Division, Mr Keith Wong, today (June 2) warned that anyone who contravenes the Trade Descriptions Ordinance is liable to prosecution. The maximum penalty for the offence is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
He urged the public to report suspected counterfeit activities, including distribution and sale of suspected counterfeit soy sauce, to the Customs and Excise Department by calling the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, June 2, 2004