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Press Release

Retail shop raided for suspected illegal sale and possession of unregistered pharmaceutical product with controlled drug ingredient

16 September 2014

A retail shop in Kwai Chung was raided today (September 16) in a joint operation by the Department of Health (DH) and the Police for suspected selling of an unregistered pharmaceutical product named "SW by Fern", which was found to contain an undeclared and controlled drug ingredient.

Acting upon a public complaint, a sample of the above product was previously purchased from the retail shop for analysis. Analytical results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the product contained a Part I poison, oestradiol.

During today's operation, a 28-year-old woman was arrested for suspected illegal sale and possession of an unregistered pharmaceutical product and Part I poison.

The investigation is continuing.

Products containing oestradiol are prescription drugs used for hormone replacement therapy. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal cramps and bloating. They should only be supplied at pharmacies under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor's prescription.

According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold legally in the market. Illegal sale and possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part I poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.

A DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy or use products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". Unregistered pharmaceutical products have not been evaluated by the Board and their safety, quality and efficacy could not be guaranteed.

Members of the public who have purchased the above product should stop taking it immediately and consult health-care professionals for advice if they are in doubt or feeling unwell after using it. They may submit the product to the DH's Drug Office at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.



Last Revision Date : 16 Sep 2014