Fake Viagra on the rise in Panama

PANAMA. The sale of counterfeit Viagra is big business. This illicit activity generates around $35 billion a year worldwide, according to the pharmaceutical company that manufactures the drug.

A new method used by organized crime is the sale of Viagra through the Internet.

In Panama this business has increased since the beginning of the decade.

Every day thousands of men in Panama receive messages through their e-mail addresses offering the “magic product” at fantastic prices.

But be careful. The majority of the Viagra pills for sale illegally are counterfeits and can cause serious health problems and even death.

The special high prosecutor, who investigates crimes against copyrights, Ramiro Esquivel gave a warning against the sale of these contraband or counterfeit drugs that could cause, high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. “The situation is very delicate,” said Esquivel.

He also gave details about the operation methods of gangs dedicated to the sale of counterfeit pharmaceutical products, especially those that stimulate sexual activity.

According to the investigation the business is very profitable, to the point the in the capital city several organizations, that dedicate themselves to the Viagra trade move big sums of moneys through bank accounts.

The deliveries are sent through employees who earn a percentage in commission for distributing the products to homes.

The estimated price of Viagra is between $5 and $7 depending on the strength of each pill.

Contraband Viagra found in Panama allegedly contains Sildenafil, as well as Taladafil, that is another product with similar effects and it is sold under the brand Sealis.

It is suspected that the counterfeit products are being manufactured in Colombia, United States and Europe. Later they are distributed in the United States, Mexico, Panama and the Caribbean, where the consumption is high.

The authorities are asking men to be alert and not to buy any drugs over the Internet.