Illegal cough syrup intended for two separate addresses in Yishun
In two separate cases, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) seized illegal cough syrup and prescription medicines at Yishun and Changi Airport, respectively.
The total value of the seized items amounts to S$41,000, said HSA in a press release on Friday (28 Nov).
Source: Health Sciences Authority
Two suspicious crates shipped to storage facility
In the first case, a courier company noticed that two suspicious crates were shipped from overseas to their storage facility.
They were deceptively labelled as a well-known household bleach and intended to be delivered to two separate addresses in Yishun.
However, they contained a substance suspected to be codeine-based cough syrup.
HSA raids two Yishun addresses, finds illegal cough syrup
On 17 Nov, the company alerted HSA, which conducted simultaneous enforcement operations at both Yishun addresses that day.
More than 106 litres of codeine cough syrup were found at both locations, worth about S$29,000.
Source: Health Sciences Authority
The importer, a 43-year-old Singaporean man, had arranged for the cough syrup to be distributed illegally to the addresses for financial gain, according to preliminary investigations.
Investigations are ongoing.
Foreigner caught with S$12K of prescription medicines at Changi Airport
The next case took place at Changi Airport Terminal 3 on 19 Nov.
A 23-year-old foreign national allegedly attempted to smuggle about 11,500 units of addictive prescription medicines, including sedatives and painkillers.
They had an estimated street value of about S$12,000.
“These medicines were intended for illegal distribution in Singapore,” HSA said.
Source: Health Sciences Authority
However, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers detected the man’s actions, and HSA was alerted.
Investigation into the case is ongoing.
Two similar cases prosecuted in 2024
The cases come after two similar cases prosecuted in 2024.
In the first case, 33-year-old Rasel Md was caught in Geylang in possession of and distributing almost 2 litres of cough syrups and more than 3,700 units of prescription medicines. They had an estimated value of S$4,000.
He was sentenced to 32 weeks in prison in Nov 2024.
In the other case, 26-year-old Muhammad Danish Fitri was caught importing more than 9,500 units of prescription medicines through Woodlands Checkpoint. They had an estimated value of more than S$27,000.
He was sentenced to nine months in prison in Jan 2024.
Jail and fine for activities involving illegal health products
HSA said it takes a “serious stand” against illegal activities involving health products, noting that prescription medicines may pose serious health risks if consumed without medical supervision.
Those caught importing, manufacturing, and/or supplying illegal health products face a jail term of up to 2 years and/or a fine of up to S$50,000.
HSA also works closely with courier companies and law enforcement agencies to stop the importation and distribution of such controlled substances.
Members of the public should report any illegal activity involving these substances by calling HSA at 6866-3485 or emailing hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.
Also read: 165 litres of cough syrup made in Geylang condo bathroom seized during drug raid
165 litres of cough syrup made in Geylang condo bathroom seized during drug raid
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Featured image adapted from Health Sciences Authority.
