Hong Kong customs officers have arrested four suspects and seized illicit medicines worth HK$140 million (US$18 million) in a crackdown on smuggling. The items include slimming and cosmetic injections as well as erectile dysfunction pills. The suspects, aged 26 to 61, consist of two mainland Chinese men and two local women, with investigations ongoing and further arrests possible.
Hong Kong's Customs and Excise Department announced on Monday the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of HK$140 million (US$18 million) worth of smuggled illicit medicines. Since stepping up enforcement in January, the department has uncovered 100,000 injections, 340,000 tablets, and 60kg (132lbs) of controlled medicines across nine smuggling cases. Seven cases involved slimming injections, while the others related to cosmetic anti-wrinkle injections and erectile dysfunction pills.
The suspects, aged between 26 and 61, include two mainland Chinese men and two local women. Investigations are ongoing, and the department has not ruled out further arrests.
Anthony Tang Cheuk-wai, divisional commander of the department’s special investigation division, said injectable products were in high demand in the city, with overseas purchases costing up to eight times less than a medical prescription. However, he cautioned that most seized injections and medicines were not properly stored at low temperatures, raising concerns about their quality and safety.
“Some of these medicines must be stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (35 to 46 Fahrenheit),” Tang said. “But to cut costs and increase mobility, the suspects did not use refrigerated equipment during transport and failed to meet storage requirements.”