The Department of Health (DH) and the Police yesterday (September 29) conducted a joint operation against the illegal possession of nicotine-containing liquids intended for use with electronic nicotine delivery systems, commonly known as e-cigarettes.
Acting upon a public complaint, the DH raided a retail store in Sham Shui Po and found a number of brands of liquids for use in e-cigarettes labelled with nicotine contents, including the brands HUANXI, RELX, GENTLE and SECRET.
During the operation, a 24-year-old man was arrested for suspected illegal possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products.
The DH's investigation is continuing.
According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138), nicotine-containing e-cigarette products 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, nicotine is a Part 1 poison controlled under the Ordinance and can only be sold at pharmacies under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. 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 products should stop using them immediately, and consult healthcare professionals for advice if they are in doubt or feeling unwell after use. They may submit the products to the DH's Drug Office in Room 1801, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
Smokers are advised to quit smoking for their own health and that of others. They are encouraged to make use of smoking cessation services through the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline (1833 833). Information on smoking cessation can also be obtained from the DH's Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office website (www.taco.gov.hk).
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