Counterfeit HPV vaccines seized in Hong Kong
Hong Kong customs authorities have carried out a series of raids resulting in the seizure of counterfeit vaccines worth over HKD $1 million ($128,000), some containing poison.
Last week, the Customs and Excise Department, in a joint operation with the Department of Health, targeted a medical centre in the city’s Kwun Tong district. 76 boxes of counterfeit HPV vaccines with a market value of HKD $280,000 were seized during the raid.
Authorities arrested two members of the medical centre’s staff, including a director.
Customs and health department officials targeted another medical centre in Tsim Sha Tsui on Monday, July 15, resulting in three arrests and the seizure of 162 boxes of suspected counterfeit vaccines worth HKD $750,000.
During both raids, authorities found suspected fakes vaccines containing poison listed in Part I of Hong Kong’s Poisons List.
Possession of such substances carries a maximum penalty of a HKD $100,000 fine and a two-year prison sentence.
At a joint press conference, head of the IP Investigation Bureau at the Customs and Excise Department, Kwan Kin-keung, and the chief pharmacist of the Department of Health, Lot Chan, said that the two bodies would continue to crack down on counterfeit vaccines.
The investigations were carried out with the assistance of the trademark owners.
Some of the counterfeit packaging seized during the raids stated that the products were manufactured by Merck Sharp & Dohme.
In a statement provided to LSIPR, Merck confirmed that it was aware of a counterfeit of its Garsadil 9 HPV vaccine in circulation in Hong Kong, and said it was actively investgating the matter.
"We are deeply committed to protecting our patients from the dangers of counterfeit and illicit medicines. We respond to every notification of suspected counterfeit or illicit medicine in alignment with local regulatory requirements and in support of our global patient-safety mission," the statement said.
"When we become aware of credible evidence of the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit and other illicit medications, we pursue appropriate responses including support of enforcement actions against those offenders," Merck added.
Hong Kong customs officials have been active in targeting the supply of counterfeit goods.
Earlier this week, the Customs and Excise Department announced the seizure of HKD $590,000 worth of counterfeit cosmetics and skincare products following a four-day operation.
In February this year, the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a closure notice to a company suspected of producing counterfeit rabies vaccines.
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