In view of the fact that certain premises were suspected to provide injectable treatments involving unregistered pharmaceutical products to the public, the Department of Health (DH) conducted a raid in Tsim Sha Tsui today (September 30) in collaboration with the Police. So far, more than 5 900 vials/ampoules of suspected unregistered pharmaceutical products and/or Part 1 poisons have been seized. The case remains under investigation and arrests cannot be ruled out.

     During the operation, the DH and the Police seized more than 5 900 vials/ampoules of suspected unregistered pharmaceutical products and/or Part 1 poisons from two premises in Tsim Sha Tsui, including a company claiming to provide medical health management services.

     Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138), any product that meets the definition of a pharmaceutical product must meet the criteria of safety, efficacy and quality, and must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before it may be distributed in Hong Kong. The illegal supply or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons is a criminal offence. Upon conviction, each offence carries a maximum penalty of a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

     Where the DH suspects that a person has illegally supplied and/or possessed unregistered pharmaceutical products, it will conduct an investigation and take enforcement action. Where healthcare professionals are involved, the case will be referred to the relevant professional regulatory body for follow-up.

     The DH has been taking stringent enforcement action against the illegal supply and/or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products to safeguard public safety. From 2021 to June 2026, the DH's Drug Office handled 138 cases resulting in convictions for the sale and/or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products. The maximum penalty was 10 months' imprisonment (total for all counts of offences) or a fine of up to $242,000 (the total fine for all counts of offences).

     The DH will continue to closely monitor pharmaceutical products on the market, whether via online or offline channels, in accordance with established mechanisms. The DH will also take appropriate follow-up action upon receiving intelligence or complaints. When necessary, the DH will conduct joint operations with other law enforcement departments, or refer the cases to the relevant department for follow-up.

     Furthermore, the DH has sent a letter to all doctors and private healthcare facilities in Hong Kong, reminding them that they must comply with the law in Hong Kong, as the illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products is a criminal offence in Hong Kong.

     The DH also reminded members of the public that injection procedures are medical procedures which should only be performed by locally registered medical practitioners or registered dentists. For queries about disease prevention and treatment, one should first consult a registered doctor, who will provide professional advice based on individual health condition and the latest medical evidence. To protect one's health and safety, do not blindly trust unproven medical claims.

Ends/Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Issued at HKT 21:43

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