Press Release
Man arrested for illegal sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products on the Internet
26 July 2012
A 67-year-old man was today (July 26) arrested in a joint operation by the Police and the Department of Health (DH) at Sham Shui Po for suspected illegal sale of two unregistered pharmaceutical products which claim to contain glucosamine and vitamin D respectively.
Earlier on, through the DH's surveillance programme, information was received alleging that Blackmores Glucosamine and Caltrate Plus with unregistered strength and pack size were found to be offered for sale in an Internet auction website. In Hong Kong, Blackmores Glucosamine 500mg with pack size 90 tablets is registered (Registration number: HK-56134) and Caltrate Plus which contained 200IU of Vitamin D with pack size 60 tablets is registered (Registration number: HK-51984). However, the two products found in Internet auction sites contain no Hong Kong product registration number. Glucosamine and vitamin D are dietary supplements.
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 of unregistered pharmaceutical product is an offence and the maximum penalty of this offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
DH investigation continues.
The spokesman advised members of the public that they should only buy or use registered pharmaceutical products which bear Hong Kong product registration number.
The spokesman strongly urged the public not to buy or use unregistered pharmaceutical products as they have not been evaluated by the Board and their product safety, quality and efficacy may not be guaranteed. In addition, people should not buy such products from the market or the internet.
"People should stop using the products immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if they feel unwell after taking the product concerned," the spokesman continued.
The products can be submitted to the department's Drug Office at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.
A 67-year-old man was today (July 26) arrested in a joint operation by the Police and the Department of Health at Sham Shui Po for the suspected illegal sale of two unregistered pharmaceutical products that claim to contain glucosamine and vitamin D respectively.