Fishmonger charged with selling poisonous substances without licence

[Balrog]

Fishmonger charged with selling poisonous substances without licence
By Shaffiq Alkhatib | Posted: 23 June 2011 1436 hrs
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SINGAPORE: A 45-year-old fishmonger has been charged with selling two different poisonous substances without a licence from his stall on March 3.

It is believed that Poh Cher Chai committed the offence at about 9.30am at Block 254, Jurong East Street 24.

He is also accused of having the substances in his possession at his stall some 30 minutes later.

One of the poisons is dexamethasone, a potent steroid that requires a doctor's prescription.

Usually used for anti-inflammatory purposes, it can cause high blood pressure, muscle damage and mental disorders. Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use can lead to serious outcomes including muscle weakness and kidney failure.

The other poison, chlorpheniramine, can be used to relieve runny noses. However, it can also cause drowsiness, confusion and urine retention.

In March, the Health Sciences Authority said the same poisons had been detected in some black pills that were illegally peddled in unlabeled bottles in Jurong and Waterloo Street.

The pills were touted to contain only natural ingredients and could supposedly be used to treat ailments such as hypertension and arthritic pain.

Poh, who faces four charges in all, is represented by lawyer, Lim Swee Tee.

The pre-trial conference for his case will be held on July 20.

If found guilty, Poh could be jailed up to two years and fined a maximum of S$10,000 for each charge.

- CNA/cc

 

[Wedge Antilles]

Jun 24, 2011

Man charged with selling illegal 'black honey' pills

Poh, a fishmonger, yesterday became the first person here to be charged with peddling illegal 'black honey' pills. -- PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

A FISHMONGER yesterday became the first person in Singapore to be charged with peddling illegal 'black honey' pills.

Poh Cher Chai, 45, is accused of selling the tablets from his stall in Jurong East.

The pills purportedly ease the suffering of those with chronic ailments such as arthritis. But they are laced with potent western drugs that require a doctor's prescription and are not allowed in traditional medicine.

Health Sciences Authority (HSA) officers found Poh allegedly selling the pills at his stall in Yuhua Village Market earlier this year.

The pills were later found to contain dexamethasone, a steroid used to treat allergies, asthma and severe pain; and chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine for itchy and runny noses. Both require a prescription.

Poh was charged in court with selling controlled substances without a licence. The four charges were brought by the HSA.

Read the full story in Friday's edition of The Straits Times.
POON CHIAN HUI