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Woman arrested for suspected illegal sale of Part I poison on the Internet (with photo)
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     A woman aged 21 was arrested today (October 28) in a joint operation by the Department of Health (DH) and the Police in Mong Kok for illegal sale of Iressa, a medicine containing a Part I poison.

     During the DH's surveillance programme, it was found that the above product was offered for sale on an Internet auction site. The seller was arrested by the Police for illegal sale of a Part I poison during the operation.

     Iressa, containing the Part I poison Gefitinib, is indicated for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer. The product is a prescription drug which should only be used under the direction of a medical practitioner. It can only be sold at a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist with a doctor's prescription.

     The DH's investigation is continuing.

     According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), illegal sale of a Part I poison is a criminal offence and the maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.

     A spokesperson for the DH urged members of the public not to buy or consume products from doubtful sources obtained via the market or the Internet.

     "Cancer is a serious disease. Members of the public who are feeling unwell should seek advice from health-care professionals immediately to discuss the most appropriate treatment plan. They should not acquire medicines for self-medication as this might lead to inappropriate treatment or delay of treatment," the spokesman stressed.

Ends/Monday, October 28, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:10

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