Hong Kong Customs on May 26 seized 32 types of suspected illegally imported controlled medicines, including beauty needles, dermatitis ointment, analgesic patches and eye drops, with a total seizure of about 900 000 pieces and an estimated market value of about $19 million, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound.
Through intelligence analysis, Customs officers on that day inspected a 20-foot container, declared as carrying milk powder, arriving in Hong Kong from Japan. Upon examination, Customs officers seized the batch of suspected illegally imported controlled medicines inside the container.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers took enforcement action on May 30 and yesterday (May 31) and arrested a 54-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case.
An investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Moreover, any person who imports or exports pharmaceutical products and medicines without a valid licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years.
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the above-mentioned ordinances to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, June 1, 2022
