Ibrahim Shedid, 29, and Ahmed Shedid, 35, both from Summerville, have been sentenced to 26 months in federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic counterfeit Viagra. The two brothers pleaded guilty to the charges.
Investigations revealed that Ibrahim Shedid ran Big Boss Puff Stuff while Ahmed Shedid operated A2Z Warehouse. They collaborated to distribute and sell counterfeit Viagra pills through convenience stores despite knowing they were fake.
In January 2024, authorities intercepted a shipment of 20 boxes containing over 9,000 bottles of counterfeit Viagra intended for delivery to Big Boss Puff Stuff. Additional counterfeit pills were found in a storage unit linked to both brothers. Overall, more than 10,000 bottles with a retail value exceeding $25 million were seized.
Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews emphasized the public health risks associated with counterfeit medications: “Trafficking counterfeit medication not only defrauds buyers but presents a public health risk. The $25 million value of these seized counterfeit drugs highlights the scale of this illegal operation and the potential harm it could have inflicted.”
Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant commented on the conviction's significance: “Counterfeit pharmaceuticals pose a serious threat to public health. This conviction sends a clear message- those who manufacture and distribute fake medication will be held accountable.”
SLED Chief Mark Keel praised law enforcement collaboration: “The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is committed to holding drug traffickers accountable for peddling poison in our communities.”
U.S. District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks handed down sentences of 26 months each for Ibrahim and Ahmed Shedid followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. They are also required to pay restitution amounting to $25,584,130.85 under the Mandatory Victim Restitution Act.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with support from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case.
