Two persons arrested for suspected illegal Internet sale of product with undeclared controlled drug ingredient (with photo)
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Following up on a public complaint, the DH purchased samples of a product named "The Goat Sublingual Strip" (see photo) via an instant messaging application for analysis. The label of the oral pills indicated it was a natural virility product. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the samples contained sildenafil, which is a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (the Ordinance). The product is also suspected to be an unregistered pharmaceutical product.
The DH urged members of the public who have purchased the product concerned to stop consuming it immediately and reminded the public not to buy or consume products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources.
The DH reminded the public that selling medicines controlled under the Ordinance illegally, regardless of the sales channel (including instant messaging apps or social media), carries criminal liability. Do not risk breaking the law.
The DH will continue to investigate the incident and take appropriate follow-up actions.
Sildenafil is a prescription drug used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and should only be used under a doctor's advice and supplied in a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor's prescription. Side effects of sildenafil include low blood pressure, headaches, vomiting, dizziness and transient vision disturbances. It may interact with some drugs (such as nitroglycerin for the treatment of angina) and cause a decrease in blood pressure to dangerous levels. Improper use of sildenafil may pose serious health risks, especially for patients with heart problems.
According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold in the market. In addition, pharmaceutical products containing Part 1 poisons can only be sold at the registered premises of an Authorized Seller of Poisons (commonly known as "pharmacy") under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. If any contravention of the law is suspected, the DH will follow up and carry out enforcement action. After seeking advice from the Department of Justice, prosecutions against relevant persons may be initiated. The illegal sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons is a criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
The DH reminded members of the public that all registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.
Members of the public who have purchased the above products should stop consuming them immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if feeling unwell after consumption. The public may submit the products to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1804-1806, 18/F, Wing On Kowloon Centre, 345 Nathan Road, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.
The public may visit the DH's Drug Office webpage for health message on sexual dysfunction and virility products and virility products found to contain undeclared Western medicines.
Ends/Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:50
Issued at HKT 17:50
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