Packaging and distribution ring of counterfeit medicine detected

Date: 15/07/2008

Hong Kong Customs officers yesterday (July 15) smashed a packaging and distribution syndicate of counterfeit medicine, resulting in the seizure of around 60,000 suspected counterfeit medicine, including drugs to treat impotence, antidepressants, sleeping pills and weight-loss drugs, worth about $ 2.7 m.

During the operation, a 67-year-old Hong Kong man, believed to be the mastermind of the syndicate, was arrested.

Customs investigations showed that the syndicate smuggled a small amount of counterfeit medicine in batches each time from the Mainland into Hong Kong and stored it in a rented flat in Mong Kok. The medicine was then repackaged in the flat and supplied to the domestic market for distribution to local pharmacies. To evade detection, the counterfeit medicine was deliberately packaged like the genuine one sold overseas and misrepresented as parallel goods for sale.

Samples of some suspected counterfeit medicine of the syndicate seized earlier were sent to Government Laboratory for analysis. Preliminary results indicated that there was no harmful substance found in the samples. However, the drug ingredients contained were fewer than those of genuine products and the effects would be affected. In due course, the counterfeit medicine seized yesterday will be sent to Government Laboratory for analysis.

A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department today (July 16) reminded administrators of pharmacies of being vigilant about unfamiliar or unknown distributors. Enquiries should be promptly made to manufacturers or trade mark owners if there is any doubt about the medicine sold by any distributor.

As there is no monitoring in the production processes of counterfeit medicine, the Customs and Excise Department also appeals to the general public to purchase medicine on prescription in reputable pharmacies. If members of the public suspect that they have bought any counterfeit medicine, they may contact the trade mark owners for details.

If members of the public come across any counterfeit goods selling activities, they are advised to call the Customs 24-hour hotline 25456182.

Anyone who contravenes the Trade Descriptions Ordinance is liable to prosecution. The maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Ends/Wednesday, July 16, 2008

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