HSA Seized $40,000 Worth of Illegal Cough Syrup and Medicines from HDB Flat

On 6 September 2018, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), in collaboration with police officers from the Bedok Police Division, conducted an enforcement operation in the vicinity of Geylang Road with a follow-up raid at an HDB unit in Sin Ming Road. In total, more than 100,000 ml of illegally manufactured cough syrup and 1,400 tablets of assorted medicines were seized. The total street value was approximately $40,000. Please refer to Annex A of the pdf version for photographs of the products seized.

2    During the operation, a 57-year-old Chinese male was caught supplying cough syrup, sleeping pills and painkillers at Geylang Road. He then led HSA officers to his HDB flat in Sin Ming Road where more illegal medicines were uncovered. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man had used his home kitchen to manufacture the cough syrup before supplying them to a street peddler. Another 42-year-old Chinese male, suspected to be involved in the illegal supply of these medicines, was also detained. Both men are currently assisting HSA with investigations for the import, manufacture and supply of illegal medicines.

3    HSA takes a serious stand against illegal activities that would harm public health. Anyone caught importing, manufacturing and/or supplying of illegal health products is liable on conviction, to an imprisonment term for up to 2 years and/or fined up to $50,000.

4    Members of the public are encouraged to report any illegal activity involving illegal cough syrup to the Enforcement Branch of HSA at Tel: 6866-3485 during office hours (Monday to Friday) or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
7 SEPTEMBER 2018

Download pdf version here1461 KB Published: 7 Sep 2018

Press Releases