Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illegally imported medicines (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs seized a batch of suspected illegally imported medicines at Lok Ma Chau Control Point on September 22, including about 1.92 million laxative tablets and about 63 kilograms of stomachic powder, with an estimated market value of about $680,000.

     Customs officers intercepted an incoming lorry for inspection at Lok Ma Chau Control Point in the morning on that day. Upon inspection, the batch of medicines suspected of being imported not under and in accordance with a valid import licence was found inside 57 cartons on board the lorry. The 52-year-old male driver was arrested.

     After follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday (September 24) arrested a 28-year-old male director of a trading company suspected to be connected with the case in Sheung Shui. 

     An investigation is ongoing. 

     Under the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO), any person who imports pharmaceutical products and 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 violation of the IEO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).