Border officials have seized 2.1 million fake or unlicensed Viagra tablets sent to Coventry’s international postal hub. 
It’s the second biggest haul in the UK over the past year, behind London’s Heathrow Airport.
All of the tablets here had been ordered by British customers over the internet but were intercepted before they reached their destinations.
They either contained the wrong, often harmful ingredients or they were genuine but not licensed, meaning there were no assurances that they were safe for use in the UK.
Across the country 8.5 million tablets were seized, with a value of around £13 million.
Brodie Clark, Head of Border Force for the UK Border Agency, said: “This massive haul makes it clear just how seriously we take the smuggling of fake and unlicensed medicines.”
“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 – these goods are often dangerous and the proceeds can be used to fuel serious organised crime.”
The companies behind the official Viagra products will now decide whether to prosecute the importers and once that’s happened the tablets will be destroyed.
Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 6:28 am