Acting on information on the selling of counterfeit medicines, the Customs yesterday and today (April 10 and 11) conducted a series of strike-and-search operations in Sai Wan, Mong Kok, Shau Kei Wan and Quarry Bay and successfully cracked down on a wholesale and retail syndicate involved in the selling of suspected counterfeit medicines. In the operations, a total of four cases were detected, with the arrest of eight persons and seizure of about 150 000 pills of suspected counterfeit medicines valued at about $950,000.
In the operation, the Customs successfully cracked down on one storehouse in Sai Wan for storing suspected counterfeit medicines for the purpose of trade. A number of drug stores were also searched with detection of three drug stores selling or possessing for sale suspected counterfeit medicines.
The operations resulted in seizure of about 150 000 pills of suspected counterfeit medicines with a total estimated value of about $950,000. Six men and two women, aged between 29 and 69, were arrested. Six of them have been released on bail pending further investigations. The remaining two persons will be charged and appear at Eastern Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (April 12).
The Head of Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau of the Customs, Mr Lee Hon-wah, said at a press conference today (April 11) that the Customs would continue to place high priority on combating counterfeit pharmaceutical products with strict enforcement actions. The Customs cooperates closely with relevant Government departments and organisations to keep close track of the market. The Customs reminded traders that selling of counterfeit medicines is a serious crime; offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with any forged trademark commits an offence. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $500,000 and imprisonment of five years.
Anyone with information relating to the sale of suspected counterfeit medicines may call the Customs via the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182
Ends/Friday, April 11 2014
