Officers of Health Science Authority (HSA) of Singapore along with police officers of Bedok division seized around SGD40,000 worth of illegally manufactured cough syrup and assorted medicines at Geyland Road and an HDB flat at Sing Ming yesterday. They also arrested two persons in connection with the crime, one of whom used to manufacture cough syrup in his kitchen.
“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 SGD40,000,” said HSA in a press release issued today.
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.
Authorities carried preliminary investigations which revealed that the man had used his home kitchen to manufacture the cough syrup before supplying them to a street peddler.
In the flat, authorities found out that large plastic containers and soft drink bottles were used to store the manufactured cough syrup. Assorted items used in the production of the illegal medicine were also seized.
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.
There is a severe penalty in Singapore for people involved in dealing in harmful and illegal health products. 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 fines up to SGD50,000.
Issuing an advisory, HSA said, “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.”
