Air Cargo Group officers of the Hong Kong Customs on January 3 detected 13 cartons of approximately 970 000 suspected cold tablets imported from Kuala Lumpur. The consignment was declared as“Health Foods”and weighed 234 kilograms. The tablets were packed in tin foil bags which were then wrapped with carbon paper, seemingly trying to evade Customs X-ray checking. Customs officers applied risk analysis on cargo consignment and advanced technology including ion scanners in the examination of the cargo, which led to the successful detection of the case.
The tablets were believed to be destined for the Mainland. A male was arrested and was released on bail pending further investigation. The Hong Kong Customs is coordinating with the Mainland and the Malaysian Customs on the follow-up investigation of the case.
According to the Import and Export Ordinance, import of pharmaceutical products requires a trader licence and an import licence. Any person contravening the provisions shall be liable on conviction to a fine of HK$500,000 and to imprisonment for two years.
Ends/Tuesday, January 17, 2012
