Hong Kong Customs yesterday arrested a salesman at a medicine shop suspected to have applied a false trade description while selling a proprietary medicine.

This is a contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

Customs had received information alleging that a salesman in a Yau Ma Tei medicine shop had claimed that a certain medicine was a particular brand, while its packaging had allegedly featured a false description.

After investigation, Customs officers arrested a 30-year-old man. The investigation is ongoing, and the arrested man has been released on bail.

Under the TDO, any person who in the course of business applies a false trade description to any goods commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.