KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 8): US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized 21 shipments of improperly imported Viagra, Cialis and Levitra from countries including Malaysia, China, India and Sudan transiting through the Port of Cincinnati last week.

In a statement on its website last week (Feb 2), the CBP said officers found approximately 32,556 pills of the prescription drugs in shipments of vitamins, supplements, watches and other medication.

It said the shipments also contained 1,050 packets of jellies and honey — “miracle honey” — laced with sildenafil, an active ingredient in Viagra.

The CBP said the medication was headed to individuals in nine states, including Indiana and Kentucky.

It said had they been legally sold, the pills, jellies and honey would have been worth nearly US$757,000 (about RM3.17 million).

The agency said the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) works with the CBP to protect consumers from products marketed as dietary supplements that contain any hidden drug ingredients.

It said because only 3% of online pharmacies reviewed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy are in compliance with US pharmacy laws and practice standards, purchasing drugs online is risky not only for the consumer’s health, but also their wallet.

CBP Assistant Commissioner for Import Operations Dan Solis said the FDA is concerned about the illegal importation of prescription medication as such drug products may pose significant risk to patients.

“Like the products seized by our partners at the CBP, these products are not always made under good manufacturing practice conditions.

“Prescription drugs should only be used under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals who are able to identify appropriate therapies for patients and monitor for potential side effects.

“Our strong relationship with the CBP enables this kind of collaborative work and results that best apply each agency’s authority and enforcement tools and protect consumers from potentially dangerous medical products entering the US,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati port director Richard Gillespie said the CBP will continue to investigate and take action against counterfeit and misclassified goods that pose a threat to the economy and citizens.