Hong Kong Customs detected two cases of importing suspected controlled injections and pharmaceutical products in early March and seized 1 744 vials of injection and 27 tubes of ointment suspected to contain Part 1 poisons, with an estimated market value of about $990,000.
In the first case, Customs officers on March 5 inspected a postal packet imported from Japan at the Surface Mail Centre. Upon inspection, Customs officers found and seized 96 anti-obesity injection vials suspected to contain Part 1 poisons from the consignment.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers on the same day arrested a 45-year-old female consignee suspected to be connected with the case, and further seized 888 injection vials and 27 tubes of ointment suspected to contain Part 1 poisons at the consignee's address in North Point.
In the second case, Customs officers on March 9 inspected an express parcel imported from Korea to Hong Kong via the Shenzhen Bay Control Point. Upon inspection, Customs officers found and seized 32 cosmetic injection vials suspected to contain Part 1 poisons in the parcel.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers on March 10 arrested a 35-year-old male consignee suspected to be connected with the case, and further seized 728 cosmetic injection vials suspected to contain Part 1 poisons at the consignee's address in Cheung Sha Wan.
Investigations are ongoing, and the two arrested persons have been released on bail.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person who imports pharmaceutical products and medicines without a valid import 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 smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
