On Thursday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized 3,200 Sildenafil Citrate 100mg pills from a passenger at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
The passenger was returning from his trip to India. The officials asked him why he was in possession of the pills. He replied the pills were for his friends. He also said that the pills are considered over-the-counter (OTC) medication in India.
Sildenafil Citrate, which is sold under the brand name Viagra, is a prescription drug recommended for men with erectile dysfunction (ED). More importantly, the drug is meant to be used under the supervision of a doctor.
The nine pounds of Viagra pills were seized for unlawful importation of mediation. The pills have an estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price of more than $96,600.
Legally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not allow the importation of prescription drugs manufactured outside of the United States. One can find additional information about traveling with and importing medication on the FDA’s Drugs page.
Prescription generic medications manufactured in non-regulated foreign drug companies often contain harmful ingredients or ineffective compounds, although their packaging and labeling can be similar to brand products. Generic drugs’ inconsistent ingredients and sub-par quality controls can put the end-user at risk.
Shane Campbell, Area Port Director-Chicago, said, “Our inspecting officers have the daunting tasks of inspecting items passengers are trying to bring into the U.S.”
“Some passengers try to hide some of their items from our officers, which could prove to be dangerous,” he added. “In this instance, our officers found these pills and prevented them from entering the U.S. and harming our community.” The FDA advises consumers to talk to their doctors about their medical condition and consider buying prescription drugs from regulated and state-licensed pharmacies in the U.S.
