16 arrested for selling fake erectile dysfunction pills

Suspects are said to have made hundreds of thousands of shekels peddling counterfeit medication

Sixteen people were arrested across Israel by investigators from the Israel Police, Health Ministry and Tax Authority Monday on suspicion of running a ring selling fake erectile dysfunction pills.

During the raids, investigators seized thousands of counterfeit pills, as well as stickers and packaging of the companies that manufacture the medications from the suspects homes’ in central Israel, the Jerusalem area and in the north.

Cars used by the suspects as part of the scheme were also seized, as was over 300,000 shekels (some $80,000) in cash.

The suspects are said to have earned hundreds of shekels pushing the fake pills.

Police were set later Monday to request an extension of the suspects’ remand from the Rishon Lezion’s Magistrate’s Court, Israel Radio reported.

In September, 20 people were arrested in a similar operation by the Israel Police, Health Ministry and Tax Authority on suspicion of importing and selling counterfeit Viagra pills.