Earlier this week, a massive trial into the sales of counterfeit Viagra, Cialis and Propecia came to a close as the last three members of a seven-strong criminal gang were jailed at Kingston Crown Court.
The Medicines and Heathcare Products Regulatory Agency's investigation, codenamed Operation Stormgrand, saw the gang receive prison sentences totalling 17.5 years and confiscation orders for £3,074,242. The operation, begun in 2005, was the largest ever discovery by the MHRA of counterfeit drugs, with over £1.5 m worth of counterfeit medication seized.
The gang formed the UK arm of a worldwide ring which was operating in China, India, Pakistan, the Caribbean and the USA. In 2002 HM Customs officials seized large quantities of Viagra at Stanstead Airport, followed by the seizure of a variety of other drugs disguised as harmless supplements with names such as Samples of Mineral Supplements for Dogs” and “Calcium for Kids.”
The last person to be sentenced was Alpesh Patel, who was convicted for masterminding thea conspiracy on an industrial scale to supply counterfeit medication. He was handed out a 12 month suspended sentence.
The sentence follows that of his fellow gang member Dr. George Patino, who after pleading guilty was given a three year jail term for supplying counterfeit Viagra.