HSA Seizes $21,500 Worth of Illegal Cough Syrup and Prescription Medicines from Alleged Seller in Joint-agency Operation

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and Singapore Police Force (SPF) have successfully uncovered an illegal supply network of unregistered health products, including addictive prescription medicines and illicitly manufactured cough syrup. The items seized are valued at around $21,500 in street value.

2     HSA and Bedok Police Division conducted an operation at a residential unit in Joo Chiat on 5 December 2025 after being alerted to a case of illegal cough syrup and addictive prescription medicines. Over 31 litres of illegal cough syrup and more than 5,200 units of addictive prescription medicines as well as manufacturing equipment were seized. These medicines were intended for illegal distribution in Singapore. 

3     During the operation, a 55-year-old male suspect was arrested. He admitted to illegally manufacturing cough syrup. The illegal manufacturing took place in unsanitary conditions, without proper licensing, quality controls, or safety oversight. This poses serious health risks to persons who consume such products, as they may contain incorrect dosages, harmful contaminants, or dangerous ingredient combinations that can cause severe adverse reactions or even death. Investigations into the seller are ongoing. Refer to the Annex of the PDF version for photos.

4     The latest operation is part of HSA’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal health products, such as illegal cough syrups and prescription medicines. It follows another recent operation in November 2025, where HSA had successfully seized over 106 litres of codeine-based cough syrup worth around $29,000 hidden in bleach bottles, that were intended for distribution in Singapore. A 43-year-old Singaporean male importer is under investigation for orchestrating the illegal distribution for financial gain.

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

6     Members of the public are encouraged to report any illegal activity involving illegal cough syrup and medicines to the Enforcement Branch of HSA at Tel: 6866-3485 from 8.30am to 5.30pm (Monday to Friday), or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.