PETALING JAYA: More than RM700,000 worth of unregistered health and beauty products have been seized by Bukit Aman after a raid in Kuala Lumpur.
Bukit Aman Wildlife Crime Control Bureau / Special Investigation Intelligence (WCB/PSK) commander Senior Asst Comm Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar said that the raid on Oct 26 occurred at a courier and logistics company building after investigations led the police to believe it had been used to store illegal health and beauty products.
"The inspection led to the arrest of two foreign men, aged 23 and 29 years old, who were believed to be employed as packing workers at the premises. Both individuals were detained to assist investigations into immigration offences.
"Further inspections uncovered 9,130 units of various health products and cosmetics suspected of being unregistered with the Health Ministry, as well as 127 branded items suspected of using counterfeit trademarks.
"Of the total seizures, health products and cosmetics estimated to be worth RM734,000 were dealt with by the Health Ministry's Kuala Lumpur Pharmacy Enforcement Division. Meanwhile, the suspected counterfeit branded goods, estimated to be worth RM31,750, were handed over to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry,” he said.
The police also recorded statements from the premises supervisor regarding the source of the supply as well as its distribution.
"Further investigations will be conducted by the relevant agencies to identify other parties who may be involved in the supply and distribution network.
"The distribution of health products and cosmetics that do not meet registration or notification requirements may pose risks to consumers, particularly when their ingredients, safety and quality cannot be assured through the appropriate regulatory channels. At the same time, the sale of suspected counterfeit branded goods may infringe trademark owners' rights, mislead consumers and adversely affect legitimate trade,” he said.
In a related matter he said that the WCB/PSK had conducted 286 raids from Jan 1 to Oct 26.
“A total of 467 individuals were arrested for various offences involving the smuggling of non-dutiable goods, leakages involving controlled and subsidised goods, wildlife smuggling, and operations related to e-waste.
"During the same period, the total value of seizures recorded was estimated at RM335,963,935.42,” he said.
