Man arrested for suspected illegal sale of nicotine-containing liquid for electronic cigarettes (with photo)
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     A 30-year-old man was arrested today (August 21) in a joint operation by the Department of Health (DH) and the Police in Tuen Mun for the suspected illegal sale of a nicotine-containing liquid. The liquid product is called "FEELVAPE" and is intended for use with electronic nicotine delivery systems, commonly known as electronic cigarettes.

     Acting upon a public complaint, the DH found that the above product, labelled to contain nicotine (a Part I poison), was offered for sale on the Internet. During the operation, the seller was arrested by the Police for the suspected illegal sale of a Part I poison and unregistered pharmaceutical product.

     DH's investigation is continuing.

     A DH spokesman stressed that, under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), nicotine-containing electronic cigarette products are classified as pharmaceutical products requiring registration from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong (the Board) before they could be sold in Hong Kong. Unregistered pharmaceutical products have not been evaluated by the Board and their safety, quality and efficacy could not be guaranteed. In addition, Part I poisons could only be sold at pharmacies under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. According to the Ordinance, the illegal 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.

     Members of the public who have purchased the above products should stop using them immediately and consult healthcare professionals for advice if they are in doubt or feeling unwell after use. They may submit the products to the DH's Drug Office at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal. Smokers who want to quit smoking should seek advice from medical professionals.

     Smokers who would like to quit smoking are welcome to call DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline 1833 183. Information on smoking cessation can also be obtained at the DH's Tobacco Control Office website (www.tco.gov.hk).

Ends/Thursday, August 21, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:30

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