Mohammed Azim Dad (30) of 116 Chippenham Lane, Slough, SL1 5BA was sentenced to 250 hours community service on three counts under the Trade Marks Act 1994 relating to counterfeit erectile dysfunction medication, namely Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. Mr Dad appeared at Reading Crown Court following an investigation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Mr Dad was charged on 4 November 2005 after he was caught selling the counterfeit products to undercover agents from the drug manufacturer, Eli Lilly. The undercover agents purchased some of the products over the internet. When tested, the prescription only medicines did not contain the correct amount of the active ingredients. When Mr. Dad was interviewed by the MHRA, Mr Dad admitted to buying Viagra and Cialis from China and selling them on eBay for £4.00. Whilst being actively investigated by the MHRA Mr. Dad continued to sell the counterfeit medicines over the Internet. Mr Dad's home was raided in July 2005, where the counterfeits were seized, with the estimated value of £45,000 - £50,000. He pleaded guilty to the offences in July 2006.

Notes:

The MHRA is the government agency responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work, and are acceptably safe. No product is risk-free. Underpinning all our work lie robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits to patients and the public justify the risks. We keep watch over medicines and devices, and take any necessary action to protect the public promptly if there is a problem.

If an individual is convicted of offences under the Medicines Act 1968, they can be sentenced to a maximum of two years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. Where appropriate the MHRA will use the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to determine whether or not benefits were accrued through criminal activity and will recoup illicit earnings if the individual is found guilty.

mhra

View drug information on Cialis; Levitra; Viagra.