During an investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Greater Rochester International Airport seized thousands of prescription pills worth roughly $60,000.
The officers said they found bottles of prescription drugs, Viagra (Sildenafil) and Cialis (Tadalafil), which were later found to be counterfeit during an inspection of express consignment shipments.
They found 210 counterfeit Viagra pills with manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of nearly $15,000. They also found more than 1,700 counterfeit Cialis pills that valued nearly $26,000.
Viagra and Cialis are prescription drugs that are recommended for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED), also called impotence. The FDA approved Viagra in 1998 and Cialis in 2003 for treating ED. One can buy Viagra or Cialis only under a prescription in the United States.
The officers also reportedly found 600 male enhancement pills called Black Gorilla from Australia, which are valued at more than $20,000.
The products have been seized under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which strictly prohibits inaccurately branded or degraded products from being introduced into interstate commerce. Rochester Port Director Ronald Menz said in a statement, “Our CBP Officers in Rochester continue to utilize their skills and expertise to target and identify prohibited merchandise. Our officers work day in and day out to protect our community ensuring that illicit items are not entering our country.”
