***********************************************************
The Department of Health (DH) today (June 29) raided a retail shop in Mong Kok in a joint operation with the Police for suspected illegal sale of a nicotine-containing liquid called Liqua Original Smoke Juice Cuban Cigar Tobacco intended for use with electronic nicotine delivery systems, commonly known as electronic cigarettes.
A sample of the above product was purchased previously from the above shop by the DH for laboratory analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the sample contained nicotine, a Part 1 poison.
A woman aged 34 was arrested by the Police for suspected illegal sale and possession of a Part 1 poison and unregistered pharmaceutical products in the operation.
The DH's investigation is continuing.
"Under 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. Unregistered pharmaceutical products are not evaluated by the Board and their safety, quality and efficacy cannot be guaranteed," a spokesman for the DH said.
In addition, Part 1 poisons can only be sold at pharmacies under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Illegal sale and possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part 1 poisons 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 product should stop using it immediately and consult healthcare professionals for advice if they are in doubt or feeling unwell after use. They may submit it to the DH's Drug Office in Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
Smokers are advised to quit smoking and may call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline (1833 183). Information on smoking cessation can also be obtained from the DH's Tobacco Control Office website (www.tco.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:07
NNNN