Press Release

Man arrested for illegal sale of Part I Poison on the Internet

25 May 2012

A 27-year-old man was today (May 25) arrested in a joint operation by the Police and the Department of Health (DH) at Tai Wai for illegal sale of Ventolin Inhaler, a registered pharmaceutical product containing Part I poison for asthma control.

Earlier on, through the DH's surveillance programme, information was received alleging that Ventolin Inhaler is sold on the Internet. The product contains the ingredient salbutamol, a Part I poison, which must be sold at pharmacy under the supervision of registered pharmacist.

Salbutamol is a western medicine and is used as bronchodilator for control of asthma. The side effects include fine tremor, palpitation and arrhythmias.

According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, illegal sale of Part I poison is an offence and the maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years imprisonment.

During the operation, the man was arrested by the Police for illegal sale of Part I poison.

DH investigation continues.

A DH spokesman exhorts members of the public not to sell or use products of unknown or doubtful sources from the market or the Internet.

"Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways and may result in cough, wheezing and breathlessness. Severe asthma attack may require hospital treatment and can sometimes be life-threatening. Patient should seek medical advice from healthcare professional on the management of asthma. Self-treatment with bronchodilator may result in poor control of asthma and serious consequences," the spokesman adds.