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Wednesday, Jan 15, 2025
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Woman arrested for selling slimming product containing banned drug
Police arrested a 39-year-old woman on Thursday for selling a slimming product containing a substance called sibutramine, a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance.
The arrest came as the Department of Health (DH) conducted an operation against the sale of the slimming product named “Bellissimo Instant Premix Coffee & Chocolate Drinks” after intelligence analysis.
The DH bought the product online and found it contained sibutramine after testing, which is a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance.
An investigation by the DH is ongoing.
Sibutramine was once used as an appetite suppressant but has been banned in Hong Kong since November 2010 due to its effect on increasing cardiovascular risk.
A spokesperson for the DH urged the public to stop consuming products from unknown sources and to seek medical attention immediately if they feel unwell after consuming the product.
The spokesperson warned that selling or possessing unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons is a criminal offense. The maximum penalty carries a HK$100,000 fine and two years imprisonment.
He added that weight control should be achieved through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise.
The public should consult healthcare professionals before using any medication for weight control or visit the DH website for more information.
The public is also urged to submit the above product to the Drug Office of the DH in Room 1801, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
The DH bought the product online and found it contained sibutramine after testing, which is a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance.
An investigation by the DH is ongoing.
Sibutramine was once used as an appetite suppressant but has been banned in Hong Kong since November 2010 due to its effect on increasing cardiovascular risk.
A spokesperson for the DH urged the public to stop consuming products from unknown sources and to seek medical attention immediately if they feel unwell after consuming the product.
The spokesperson warned that selling or possessing unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons is a criminal offense. The maximum penalty carries a HK$100,000 fine and two years imprisonment.
He added that weight control should be achieved through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise.
The public should consult healthcare professionals before using any medication for weight control or visit the DH website for more information.
The public is also urged to submit the above product to the Drug Office of the DH in Room 1801, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.
