HSA seizes over $400,000 worth of illegal sex drugs

SINGAPORE - One new illegal sexual enhancement product was detected and more than 36,000 units of illegal sexual enhancement drugs seized when the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) took part in the 7th Operation Pangea, a global enforcement operation coordinated by Interpol from May 13 to 20, 2014.

According to a statement from the HSA, it is the largest haul of illegal sexual enhancement drugs sold online, amounting to an estimated street value of over $400,000.

The statement added that during intensified checks this week where online platforms were screened to identify illegal health products being sold in Singapore, 10 persons were found to have contravened the Medicines Act, Poisons Act or Health Products Act.

HSA seized over 56,000 units of illegal health products, consisting of sexual enhancement drugs, contact lenses, cosmetic products and slimming products.

Of these, more than 36,000 units were illegal sexual enhancement drugs which were found through HSA's laboratory testing to contain potent western medicinal ingredients, some of which were not declared on the products' labels.

Amongst these products are:

i) Black Deity, detected to contain sildenafil and tadalafil;

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ii) Bull's Genital Male sexual stimulant, detected to contain chloramphenicol and sildenafil;

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iii) Red Cialis Viagra, detected to contain tadalafil.

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HSA's investigations revealed that these products were sourced from overseas.

Of these three products, this is the first time HSA has detected Black Deity being sold in Singapore.

Advisory

HSA strongly advises those who are holding on to these products to stop taking them immediately.

Tadalafil and sildenafil are prescription only medicines which have to be used under medical supervision.

They can cause adverse effects such as decreased or loss of vision and hearing, cardiovascular events such as stroke and a heart attack.

In addition, tadalafil and sildenafil are not suitable for patients with some medical conditions including certain heart problems or patients who are taking heart medications such as nitrates.

HSA would like to reiterate the dangers of purchasing health products from dubious sources including the Internet.

Consumers should exercise discretion when buying health products as consumption of poor quality and falsely labelled health products can cause serious health effects.

Consumers should also seek early and proper medical attention for management of their medical conditions, instead of self-medication.

It is an offence to sell or import illegal health products, offenders may be liable for prosecution under the Health Products Act, Poisons Act and/or Medicines Act.

Anyone convicted of selling these illegal products will face a penalty fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for a period of up to three years under the Health Products Act; a penalty fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for a period of up to two years under the Poisons Act and a penalty fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for a period of up to two years under the Medicines Act.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any illegal activity involving sexual enhancement products or the sale of illegal health products to the Enforcement Branch of HSA at Tel: 68663485 or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg during office hours (Monday to Friday) or email: hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg.

candicec@sph.com.sg