CIDG seizes P3.3-M fake Viagra in Manila

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) raided yesterday eight stores and warehouses in Sta. Cruz and Binondo in Manila, seizing boxes of fake Viagra.

Raided were five Chinese stores, two drugstores and a warehouse on T. Pinpin and Bustos streets, both in Binondo; Ronquillo street in Sta. Cruz, Rizal Avenue and Carriedo, all in Manila.

Senior Superintendent Benjamin de los Santos, chief of the CIDG-High Profile Case Division, said store managers and helpers were picked up by the raiders for further investigation.

Their names were not immediately available.

In his report to CIDG chief Director Jesus Verzosa, De los Santos said the raids were conducted by virtue of search warrants issued by a Manila Regional Trial Court judge.

Agents seized an estimated P3.3 million worth of the fake drug.

De los Santos said the operation stemmed from a complaint filed by a representative of Pfizer Pharmaceutical Co. based in the US. Pfizer said unscrupulous individuals were selling counterfeit Viagra, causing damage to their product and trademark.

"We conducted a two-month surveillance. We then secured warrants to search the area and found the fake Viagra," De los Santos said.

Viagra is a trademark for the enzyme-inhibiting drug, sildenafil citrate, which is used to treat impotence in men.

De los Santos said one store was selling the fake Viagra at P80 per tablet.

Managers and owners of the stores would be charged with violation of Special Law on Counterfeit Medicine before the Manila Prosecutor’s Office. – Cecille Suerte Felipe