OFW arrested in HK over viagra
Sildenafil
A 57-year-old Filipino domestic worker almost landed in prison after he was arrested in Central for having medicine for erectile dysfunction without a prescription from a doctor.
The overseas Filipino worker, with initials C.T., was charged at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts with violating Hong Kong’s Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, which carries a maximum penalty of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.
The Filipino was arrested by policemen on June 28 outside 325 Queen’s Road Central in Hong Kong Island.
“The policemen were on patrol when they noticed the defendant acting suspiciously so they accosted him,” the prosecutor said.
A check of his belongings showed that he was carrying “one foil pack containing one tablet (of) sildenafil, (contrary to) the provisions of the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance.”
Sildenafil is the generic name of Viagra. During investigation, the worker admitted to the offense and said that he bought the tablet “a long time ago” and from a pharmacy whose name he had already forgotten.
Apparently due to the small amount confiscated from the Filipino and his clear record in the last 28 years of his stay in Hong Kong, the prosecutor decided to deal with the case through a “bind over.”
This meant the Filipino would not have any criminal record in Hong Kong but he should promise to be on good behaviour.
The defendant gladly accepted the prosecutor’s proposal and Eastern Presiding Magistrate Peter Law bound him over in the sum of $1,000 for one year.
“You are not to commit any offense related to illegal drugs or (medicine requiring prescription) for 12 months,” Judge Law told the Filipino.
If the worker commits such an offense, he would have to pay $1,000, the judge added.
The visibly relieved Filipino replied: “Thank you.”
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, sildenafil is listed as a “Part 1 poison” that should be taken under doctor’s advice or supplied at “pharmacies under the supervision of a registered pharmacist (and) upon a doctor’s prescription.”
Its side effects include low blood pressure, headache, vomiting, dizziness and “transient vision disturbances.”
“It may interact with some drugs (such as nitroglycerin for the treatment of angina) and cause a decrease in blood pressure to dangerous levels,” a Department of Health statement said.
It added that the improper use of sildenafil may pose “serious health risks,” especially for patients with heart problems.
“Illegal sale and possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offenses. The maximum penalty for each offense is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment,” the statement added.