Press Release

Man arrested for illegal sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products containing glucosamine on the Internet

25 June 2012

A 40-year-old man was today (25 June) arrested in a joint operation by the Police and the Department of Health (DH) at Central for suspected illegal sale of two unregistered pharmaceutical products containing glucosamine, namely Webber Naturals Glucosamine Chondroitin tablets and Webber Naturals Glucosamine Chondroitin Extra Strength.

Earlier on, through the DH’s surveillance programme, information was received alleging that the captioned unregistered pharmaceutical products were offered for sale in an Internet auction website.

Glucosamine is a dietary supplement.

During the operation, the man was found in possession of 17 bottles of unregistered pharmaceutical products containing glucosamine. He was arrested by the police for sale and possession of unregistered pharmaceutical product.

DH investigation continues.

According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board before they can be sold legally in the market. Sale and possession of unregistered pharmaceutical product are offences under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance. The maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment for each offence.

As unregistered pharmaceutical products have not been evaluated by the Board, their product safety, quality and efficacy may not be guaranteed. The spokesman exhorted members of the public not to buy or use products of unknown or doubtful composition from the market or the Internet. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if they feel unwell after taking the concerned product.

"People should stop using the product immediately. They should submit them to the department's Drug Office at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal," the spokesman said.

A 40-year-old man was today (June 25) arrested in a joint operation by the Police and the Department of Health in Central for suspected illegal sale of two unregistered pharmaceutical products containing glucosamine, namely Webber Naturals Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM and Webber Naturals Glucosamine Chondroitin Extra Strength.