Hong Kong Customs officers yesterday (December 22) smashed a syndicate involved in the production of counterfeit proprietary Chinese medicine, resulting in the arrest of nine people and the seizure of $740,000 worth of counterfeit medicated oil and balm.
In the raids against six commercial and industrial units in Kwai Chung, Fo Tan and Sheung Wan respectively, and a residential unit in Jordan, Customs officers neutralised a production and packaging centre at Wah Sing Street in Kwai Chung; a laboratory and storage centre of raw materials at Kwei Tei Street in Fo Tan; and a storage centre at Wong Chuk Yeung Street in Fo Tan.
Overall, the officers seized about 17,000 bottles of counterfeit medicated oil and about 1,000 bottles of balm bearing two brand names.
They also arrested two women and seven men, aged 17 to 58.
Briefing media representatives, the Head of the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau, Mr Tam Yiu-keung, said today (December 23) that the success of the operation showed that Hong Kong Customs officers would always devote themselves to the protection of intellectual property rights by conducting crackdown operations on trade mark infringement activities.
Mr Tam said that Customs investigation was under way.
Initial investigations showed that the syndicate made use of a unit at Kwei Tei Street in Fo Tan as the storage centre of raw materials and laboratory to produce counterfeit medicated oil and balm. The finished mixtures would then be sent to the production and packaging centre at Wah Sing Street in Kwai Chung for post-production and packaging.
Customs officers had also raided two trading companies, one in Sheung Wan and another in Fo Tan. A batch of counterfeit medicated oil and balm was found at the scene, believed to be for overseas markets.
If members of the public suspect that they have bought any counterfeit medicated ointment and balm, they may call the trade mark owners at 2409 0920 and 2771 7986 respectively.
If members of the public come across any suspected trade mark infringement activities, they are advised to call the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Anyone who contravenes the Trade Descriptions Ordinance is liable to prosecution. The maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Ends/Thursday, December 23, 2004