US CBP seizes over $407,000 of unapproved pharma

In late October, Cincinnati U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigation special agents and FDA Office of Import Operations Consumer Safety officers conducted an operation focused on intercepting high-risk, FDA- regulated ophthalmology products and misbranded prescription pharmaceuticals such as orthopedic injections, rheumatology infusions, cosmetic devices, and oncology drugs destined to locations in the United States.

CBP and FDA officers seized a total of 398 shipments containing a total of 8,521 pairs of undeclared or misdeclared contact lenses. Officers also seized 50 other shipments containing misbranded or misdeclared FDA-regulated drugs or medical devices, such as GLP1 medications, Botox, dermal fillers, skin care products, and several other FDA-prohibited substances and powders. All these shipments were destined to addresses across the entire United States. The cumulative Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the prohibited pharmaceuticals was $407,784 had they been legally imported.

“Counterfeit products, such as these items, can contain toxic substances that can impact the public’s health,” said Director of Field Operations LaFonda Sutton-Burke, Chicago Field Office. “Counterfeiters have no moral compass and will counterfeit just about anything to make a buck. We have encountered counterfeit makeup, perfumes, toys, clothing, electronics, machinery parts – basically, anything in demand, we’ve seen it. The movement of these goods into online marketplaces pose a significant risk to the American consumer.”