LOUISVILLE, Ky.— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Louisville conducted a seizure of counterfeit prescription Cialis and Viagra pills at a local express consignment facility.
On April 25, 2020 CBP Officers targeted and inspected a shipment originating from Turkey destined to Yucaipa California. The package contents were listed as throat lozenges and candies, but contained 120 pills. Due to the officer’s knowledge, the routing of the shipment, and the packaging of the pills, CBP officers determined the pill to be counterfeit and were seized. “Counterfeit prescription drugs is an inherently dangerous problem, ” according to Chief Customs and Border Protection Officer Brian Lick, “they often have inconsistent amounts of pharmaceutical ingredients and may also contain many other potentially hazardous contaminates that pose a serious health risk to the user.”
Counterfeit, or fake, medicines are manufactured using incorrect or harmful ingredients. These medicines are then packaged and labeled to look like the real thing. Counterfeit medicines are unsafe because they may not work and could be harmful.
CBP conducts operations at ports of entry throughout the United States, and regularly screens arriving international passengers and cargo for narcotics, weapons, and other restricted or prohibited products. CBP strives to serve as the premier law enforcement agency enhancing the Nation’s safety, security, and prosperity through collaboration, innovation, and integration.
