Man, 55, arrested in Joo Chiat, admitted to illegally manufacturing cough syrup

A 55-year-old man was arrested on Dec. 5, 2025 during a joint-agency operation by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Singapore Police Force.

According to a HSA press release, HSA and the police successfully uncovered an illegal supply network of unregistered health products, including addictive prescription medicines and illicitly manufactured cough syrup.

The items seized are worth around S$21,500 in street value.

Illegal

This comes after HSA and Bedok Police Division conducted an operation at a residential unit in Joo Chiat on Dec. 5 after being alerted to a case of illegal cough syrup and addictive prescription medicines.

This saw over 31 litres of illegal cough syrup, more than 5,200 units of addictive prescription medicines and manufacturing equipment being seized.

These medicines were intended for illegal distribution in Singapore.

Admitted

After being arrested during the operation, the 55-year-old male suspect admitted to illegally manufacturing cough syrup.

The illegal manufacturing took place in unsanitary conditions, without proper licensing, quality controls, or safety oversight.

This poses serious health risks to persons who consume such products, as they may contain incorrect dosages, harmful contaminants, or dangerous ingredient combinations that can cause severe adverse reactions or even death.

Investigations into the seller are ongoing.

Penalties

Offenders convicted of importing, manufacturing and/or supplying illegal health products are liable to up to two years' jail and/or a fine of up to S$50,000.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any illegal activity involving illegal cough syrup and medicines to the Enforcement Branch of HSA at 6866-3485 from 8:30am to 5:30pm (Monday to Friday), or email [email protected].

Top photo via HSA press release