Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) removed 959 online listings and seized 6,641 units of illegal health products during a two-week Interpol-led operation. The crackdown targeted unregistered contact lenses, prescription medicines, and dermal fillers, with warnings issued about the dangers of self-medication and counterfeit products.
Singapore authorities conducted a two-week crackdown on illegal health products sold on local e-commerce and social media platforms, resulting in the removal of 959 listings.
Over 82% of these listings were for unregistered contact lenses, with other prohibited items including prescription-only skin creams for acne and eczema, sexual enhancement medicines, nasal aspirators, nasal sprays, and oxygen concentrators. This operation was part of a global exercise coordinated by Interpol, involving 90 countries.
In addition to removing online listings, authorities seized 6,641 units of illegal health products at Singapore’s land, air, and sea checkpoints. The seized items included unregistered medicines, medical devices, adulterated herbal medicines, and pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment. Prescription medicines such as painkillers and sedatives accounted for 36% of the seized products, followed by anti-parasitic medicines like ivermectin (30%) and dermal fillers (6%).
HSA warned against self-medicating with ivermectin, noting that it is not approved for COVID-19 treatment and can cause severe side effects, including vomiting, seizures, and liver injury. The authority also highlighted the dangers of illegal dermal fillers, which can lead to infections, scarring, and even life-threatening allergic reactions if not administered by registered healthcare professionals.
HSA emphasized the risks of purchasing health products at suspiciously low prices or with exaggerated health claims, as these may contain harmful ingredients or fail to meet safety standards. The public is urged to report illegal health products to HSA, and offenders may face up to three years in jail and/or a fine of up to S$100,000
Illegal Health Products Singapore Crackdown Interpol Operation Unregistered Contact Lenses Ivermectin Dangers
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