CBP, ICE Shut Down Seller of Fake Sexual Dysfunction Drugs over Craigslist
CBP and ICE's Homeland Security Investigations arrested a California man for selling Cialis, Viagra and Levitra over Craigslist, said CBP in a press release. CBP first became suspicious when it intercepted several parcels addressed to Nathan Welter from China containing counterfeit drugs, said CBP. Welter, who is now charged with eight counts of trafficking in counterfeit goods, pleaded not guilty on March 8, said CBP. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up $2 million, the agency said.
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.
HSI special agents executed federal search warrants last year on Welter leading to the seizure of nearly 9,000 counterfeit erectile dysfunction tablets, medical labels and packaging materials and over $40,000 in cash. Had the counterfeit medications seized in connection with this case been genuine, they would have retailed for more than $125,000, said CBP.
“Despite the vast amounts of cargo entering the United States, CBP officers focus intently on preventing dangerous and harmful products such as these from reaching consumers,” said Todd C. Owen, director, CBP Field Operations Los Angeles. “In this case, the counterfeit drugs were detected by our officers and, working with our partners at HSI, this unsafe, illegal enterprise was put out of business.”