Customs uncovers smuggling of counterfeit medical tablets

Date: 22/04/2013

Hong Kong Customs seized a total of 8,494 tablets of suspected counterfeit medicines and arrested two persons in a series of enforcement actions on April 18 and 19. The total seizure value was estimated at $840,000.

On April 18, Hong Kong Customs seized 2,440 tablets of suspected counterfeit medicines, valued at about $240,000, from an incoming container truck at Sha Tau Kok Control Point and arrested a 48-year-old male driver.

Subsequently on April 19, Customs officers mounted a follow-up operation and arrested another male driver, aged 54, in Kwai Chung and seized 6,054 tablets of suspected counterfeit medicines from the man's private car. The seizure value was about $600,000. The two arrested persons were released on bail pending investigation.

Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, it is a criminal offence to import, export and be in possession of goods with forged trademarks. The maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

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