A man aged 23 was arrested today (September 7), in a joint operation between the Department of Health (DH) and the Police in Sheung Shui on the suspected illegal sale of a product called "envii FITT tobacco starter kit", with four cartridges of nicotine-containing liquid 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 was offered for sale on a mobile application. A sample of the product was then purchased for laboratory analysis. Testing results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the cartridges of the sample contained nicotine, a Part 1 poison. The seller was arrested by the Police for suspected illegal sale and possession of a Part 1 poison and unregistered pharmaceutical product.

     The DH's investigation is continuing.

     According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138), nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes are classified as pharmaceutical products requiring registration with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold in Hong Kong. In addition, Part 1 poisons can only be sold at pharmacies under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. The illegal sale and possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products 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 product should stop using it immediately and consult healthcare professionals for advice if they are in doubt or feeling unwell after use. They may submit the product to the DH's Drug Office in Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.

     Smokers are advised to quit smoking for their own and other people's health. They are encouraged to make use of smoking cessation services through the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline (1833 183). Information on smoking cessation can also be obtained from the DH's Tobacco Control Office website (www.tco.gov.hk).

Ends/Thursday, September 7, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:40

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