Cough syrup made in ‘unsanitary’ Geylang condo seized in crackdown on illegal medicine
The cough syrup was made in the bathroom of a condominium unit in Geylang, where measuring cups were left uncovered next to the toilet bowl and on the sink countertop. (Photos: Health Sciences Authority)
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SINGAPORE: About 165L of cough syrup was seized during a raid on a Geylang condominium unit suspected to be used as a manufacturing and storage facility of illegal medicines.
The haul from the two-day operation that ended on May 14 is one of the largest in the past five years, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said in a joint statement on Monday (May 20).
The operation was aimed at disrupting the illegal manufacture and supply of codeine cough syrup and other medicines
“Approximately 165L of cough syrup and more than 57,000 units of assorted medicines such as cough suppressants, armodafinil and sedatives, with a street value of about S$130,000,were seized from a condominium unit in Geylang,” the auhtorities said. Armodafinil reduces extreme sleepiness due to sleep disorders.
Through "intelligence-led operations", HSA and SPF officers ambushed and detained a male suspect as he was leaving the apartment.
The suspect then led authorities to the unit where he had been allegedly operating out of since last December to manufacture and store cough syrup and medicines for illegal sale in Geylang.
“The premises was unsanitary. The manufacture of the cough syrup was conducted in the bathroom, where measuring cups containing cough syrup mixture were left uncovered next to the toilet bowl and on the sink countertop,” said authorities.
HSA seized 984 prescription-sized 90ml bottles, one 3.8L canister and three 25L plastic buckets filled with cough syrup. Tools used for manufacturing the cough syrup such as measuring cups and stirrers were also seized.
“As long as there is demand, unscrupulous persons will continue to manufacture and sell cough syrup and medicines for quick gains without regard for human health,” said HSA director of enforcement branch Annie Tan.
“HSA will persist with our enforcement efforts and continue to work with the police and relevant agencies on targeted operations to disrupt the illegal sale and supply of such medicines to safeguard the Singapore public.”
Those convicted of importing, manufacturing and/or supplying illegal health products may be imprisoned for up to 2 years, fined up to S$50,000, or both.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any illegal activity involving illegal cough syrup and medicines to the enforcement branch of HSA.
