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A retail shop in Sham Shui Po was raided by the Department of Health (DH) and the Police in a joint operation today (March 28). The shop was suspected to be selling unregistered pharmaceutical products, some of which were labelled as containing a controlled drug ingredient.
Upon the investigation of a public complaint, the DH found that various unregistered pharmaceutical products (see Attachment) were being displayed for sale by a retail shop in Sham Shui Po. Most of the unregistered pharmaceutical products found were labelled as containing Yohimbine, a Part I poison. The rest were labelled as containing either glucosamine or vitamins. Hong Kong pharmaceutical product registration numbers were not found on any of the product labels. Preliminary investigation so far revealed that the unregistered pharmaceutical products were sourced outside Hong Kong.
During the operation, a 55-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man were arrested by the Police for illegal sale and possession of a Part I poison and unregistered pharmaceutical products.
Yohimbine was sometimes used in the treatment of orthostatic hypotension. Side effects include anxiety, manic reactions and increased heart rate. Products containing glucosamine or vitamins are over-the-counter medicines and are used for joint pain and as dietary supplements respectively.
According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. Part I poisons should only be sold at pharmacies under the supervision of registered pharmacists. Sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part I poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
The DH's investigation is continuing.
A DH spokesperson strongly urged members of the public not to buy or use unregistered pharmaceutical products from the market as such products have not been evaluated by the Board and their safety, quality and efficacy may not be guaranteed. Members of the public should consult health-care professionals for advice if they are in doubt or feeling unwell after using the products concerned. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX".
Members of the public who have bought the above products should stop using them immediately. They may submit them to the DH's Drug Office at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
Ends/Thursday, March 28, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:56
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