The Department of Health (DH) and the Police yesterday (February 10) conducted a joint operation against the illegal sale of nicotine-containing liquids intended for use with electronic nicotine delivery systems, commonly known as electronic cigarettes.
Acting upon a public complaint, the DH found that a type of nicotine-containing liquid "RELX" was offered for sale in a retail store in Wan Chai. During the operation against the retail store in Wan Chai and its branch in Mong Kok yesterday, a number of other brands of nicotine-containing liquids, for use in electronic cigarette labelled with nicotine content were also found.
A 38-year-old man was arrested by the Police for suspected illegal sale and possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products. In addition, a 21-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were also arrested by the Police for suspected 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 electronic 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, Part 1 poisons 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 183). 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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