Hong Kong Customs detected a case of suspected illegally imported medicines on August 14 and seized 135 000 tablets of suspected proprietary Chinese medicine, with an estimated market value of about $630,000. 

     Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs officers on that day inspected 30 postal packets imported from Japan. Upon inspection, Customs officers found and seized the batch of suspected proprietary Chinese medicines from the consignments. 

     An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.

     Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.

     Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person who imports proprietary Chinese medicines without a valid import licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Ends/Thursday, August 27, 2026
Issued at HKT 12:27

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