Hong Kong customs seizes fake medicinal products worth HK$1.1 million, arrests 5

Hong Kong customs has seized counterfeit Chinese proprietary medicine and other items worth HK$1.1 million (US$140,127) in raids on four shops in commercial districts, and arrested a company director and four staff members.

The Customs and Excise Department said on Thursday the counterfeit medicines included Angong Niuhuang pills and Ricqles Peppermint Cure, as well as skincare and cosmetic products found in stores in Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Sheung Shui.

“We have noticed that these products are highly realistic, making it difficult for the public to distinguish their authenticity. However, some anti-counterfeit features are still crudely made, out of cost concerns,” Ho Ko-jit, an inspector of customs’ intellectual property general investigation division, said.

“The items seized are intended for direct consumption or application to the skin. The ingredients and efficacy of these counterfeit goods are unknown, which could endanger consumers’ health.”

A total of 950 counterfeit products and 39,000 tablets of regulated drugs without a permit or licence from the Department of Health were confiscated on Wednesday.

Four men and a woman, aged between 29 and 48, were arrested for allegedly violating the Trade Descriptions Ordinance and the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance.

The five, including a company director and four staff members, were detained for investigation, and authorities said they did not rule out more arrests.