Hong Kong Customs Seizes Counterfeit Medicines
17 April 2014
Acting on information on the selling of counterfeit medicines, Hong Kong Customs conducted a series of strike-and-search operations in Sai Wan, Mong Kok, Shau Kei Wan and Quarry Bay on April 10 and 11 and successfully cracked down on a wholesale and retail syndicate involved in the selling of suspected counterfeit medicines. In the operations, a total of four cases were detected, with the arrest of eight persons and seizure of about 150,000 pills of suspected counterfeit medicines valued at about HK$950,000 (US$123,000).
In the operation, the Customs successfully cracked down on one storehouse in Sai Wan for storing suspected counterfeit medicines for the purpose of trade. A number of drug stores were also searched with detection of three drug stores selling or possessing for sale suspected counterfeit medicines.
The operations resulted in seizure of about 150,000 pills of suspected counterfeit medicines with a total estimated value of about HK$950,000 (US$123,000). Six men and two women, aged between 29 and 69, were arrested. Six of them have been released on bail pending further investigations. The remaining two persons will be charged.
The Head of Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau of the Customs, Lee Hon-wah, said at a press conference on April 11 that the Customs would continue to place high priority on combating counterfeit pharmaceutical products with strict enforcement actions. The Customs cooperates closely with relevant government departments and organizations to keep close track of the market. The Customs reminded traders that selling of counterfeit medicines is a serious crime; offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with any forged trademark commits an offence. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of HK$500,000 (US$64,500) and imprisonment of five years.
