Hong Kong customs arrests 2, seizes HK$290,000 of ‘slimming injections’ from Japan

Hong Kong customs officers recently intercepted and seized 400 anti-obesity injections, suspected to contain harmful substances, imported from Japan. The illicit shipment, valued at approximately HK$290,000 (US$36,970), led to the arrest of two local residents. The operation unfolded on September 5 when postal officers identified a suspicious package at the Air Mail Centre.

Upon inspection, customs discovered 400 vials of the potentially dangerous injections, prompting the arrest of a 45-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman. Both individuals were connected to the case, with the man having collected the parcel and the woman serving as the named consignee. The Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations stipulate strict regulations on the sale and possession of certain substances, including those listed under Part 1, which can only be distributed by authorized professionals.

A recent incident in June saw customs seize a similar consignment of weight-loss injections, with a woman consignee also arrested. Under Hong Kong's regulations, nearly all anti-obesity drugs are classified as prescription-only medication, requiring close medical supervision. Importing pharmaceutical products without a valid import license is punishable by a fine of HK$500,000 and up to two years in prison.

The public is encouraged to report any suspected smuggling activities through the customs' hotline or online form.