Homeland Security Investigations special agents in El Paso reportedly seized more than 10,000 dosages of fake pharmaceuticals and prescription medications from local businesses March 17.
The seizure of 10,617 doses of fake pharmaceuticals and prescription medications was the outcome of an investigation by the HSI El Paso Commercial Fraud Group, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and business representatives, according to a March 23 news release. Investigation results showed the prescribed medications and fake pharmaceuticals, all considered banned substances in the U.S., were brought in illegally from Mexico.
“Aside from the risks involved with auto-medicating that may cause drug resistance, buying medications that require a prescription from unauthorized sellers and consuming them poses a great danger; they may contain toxic, possibly fatal, doses of dangerous ingredients,” HSI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Francisco Burrola said in the release.
According to the release, pharmaceutical representatives who participated in the investigation verified the confiscated pills were either fake or controlled substances, the release reported.
“Consumers should be cautious because the packaging and form of counterfeit medicines may resemble authentic medications. The best practice is to buy medications with a legitimate prescription from locations with a licensed pharmacist on site," Burrola added, according to the release.
Four companies were sent cease and desist notices involving the sales of prescription-only, misbranded and/or potentially counterfeit drugs by HSI special agents and investigative consultant agents, the release said. At that time, the drugs were confiscated by HSI officers for violating the prohibition against introducing adulterated or misbranded medicines into interstate commerce.
According to the release, the seized pharmaceuticals and drugs came from Ortiz Produce and Groceries, 1331 Medea Drive, Clint; Bronco Swap Meet, 8410 Alameda Ave., El Paso; Mi Mercadito, 11401 North Loop Drive, Socorro; and Mi Tienda, 10076 North Loop Drive, El Paso.
The investigation remains ongoing, the release said.
