Hong Kong Customs uncovered a smuggling case of counterfeit medical tablets to Africa at a cargo terminal of Hong Kong International airport on September 8 with a seizure of 52,215 assorted medical tablets including those bearing forged trademarks of "VIAGRA" and "Cialis". Total seizure value amounted to about $3,310,000.
On September 8 afternoon, Customs officers of the Airport Command inspected an export consignment of seven cartons declared as "Food Packing Boxes", destined for Mozambique. Upon examination, Customs officers discovered the counterfeit medical tablets. After preliminary examination, trademark owners of "VIAGRA" and "Cialis" confirmed that the medical tablets were counterfeit.
Customs investigation is continuing.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, anyone convicted of exporting unmanifested cargo, is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $2,000,000 and imprisonment for seven years. Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, anyone convicted of exporting any goods to which a false trade description or forged trademark is applied, is liable to a maximum penalty of an imprisonment for five years and a fine of $500,000.
Ends/Saturday, September 11, 2010
