Impotence blues: The counterfeit drugs seized by Customs officers.

In a crackdown on the sale of counterfeit drugs to treat impotence, Hong Kong Customs and Department of Health officers arrested nine people and seized 300 suspected counterfeit tablets worth about $22,000.

With the help of a trademark owner, Customs officers raided eight drug stores.

Nine people, eight men and a woman, aged between 22 and 54, were arrested. They are now on bail pending further investigation.

Separately, seven drug stores were found in breach of the Pharmacy & Poisons Ordinance by selling controlled medicine to customers without a doctor's prescription.

The counterfeit drugs to treat impotence seized in the operation will be sent to Government Laboratory for analysis. While awaiting the test results, the trademark owner's laboratory test showed there was no harmful substance in the counterfeit impotence drugs samples obtained during its market survey.

No harmful substance was found In counterfeit impotence drugs seized in previous Customs operations, the Government Laboratory confirmed.

Members of the public are urged to report to Hong Kong Customs by calling the 24-hour hotline, 2545 6182, if they come across any suspected counterfeiting activities.

Maximum penalties range up to $500k, 5 years in prison

They are advised to call the trademark owner of the drugs for impotence at 2121 8777 during office hours.

Anyone who contravenes the Trade Descriptions Ordinance is liable to prosecution.The maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.