The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore has intensified its efforts to combat the sale and distribution of illegal health products, resulting in the seizure of over 970,000 units in 2024. Through coordinated operations with local and international agencies, HSA also removed 7,351 illegal product listings from e-commerce and social media platforms, disrupting the supply chain of these potentially harmful products.
Codeine cough syrup constituted 54% of the seized items, followed by sexual enhancement medicines, sedatives, and other prescription drugs. A significant operation in May 2024 led to the discovery of illegal cough syrup manufacturing in a Geylang condominium, where products were made in unsanitary conditions. This raid alone resulted in the confiscation of 165 litres of cough syrup and 57,000 units of assorted medicines, valued at $130,000.
In a bid to curb online sales, HSA collaborated with platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and Facebook, leading to the removal of listings for products such as dermal fillers, contact lenses, and weight loss supplements. HSA issued warnings to 2,868 online sellers during the year.
Prosecution efforts saw 30 individuals charged for illegal sales, including Rasel Md, who was sentenced to 31 weeks in prison for possessing and intending to sell illegal drugs. Peh Zhisheng Gabriel was fined $266,500 for importing and selling counterfeit cosmetics.
HSA’s vigilance also uncovered 14 illegal products containing banned substances, leading to severe health issues for some consumers. Notably, a man in his 50s was hospitalised after consuming Sausando Cellulite Pills, which contained the banned substance sibutramine.
The HSA continues to work with platform administrators to enhance surveillance systems and prevent the posting of illegal product listings, aiming to safeguard public health and safety.
