Fake Viagra caught being smuggle into Coventry postal hub

A BID to smuggle more than two million fake or unlicensed Viagra tablets through Coventry's international postal hub flopped, figures released this week revealed. The haul of 2.1 million tablets was uncovered by UK Border Agency officials at Royal Mail's hub in Baginton. The Viagra had been ordered online by British customers.

Officials seized a total of 8.5 million fake or unlicensed tablets of the erectile dysfunction drug during 2010, with six million alone discovered at Heathrow Airport. A further 116,000 tablets were seized at Birmingham Airport. The total haul had a value of around £13 million.

Brodie Clark, UK Border Agency's head of border force, said fake Viagra was often made in laboratories in the Far East, and could contain harmful ingredients. He added genuine but unlicensed tablets were often imported from India. He said while the Viagra was genuine, its unlicensed status meant it had not gone through the rigorous tests required under UK law.

"This massive haul makes it clear just how seriously we take the smuggling of fake and unlicensed medicines," Mr Clark said. "As well as stopping drugs, weapons and illegal immigrants from reaching the UK, our officers have a vital role to play in protecting British consumers and businesses from the trade in black market medicines and other goods.”Smugglers are only out to make a profit," he added. "These goods are often dangerous and the proceeds can be used to fuel serious organised crime."

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