CBP intercepts shipments of counterfeit weight-loss drugs flooding the U.S., putting your health at risk—here’s what you need to know.
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CINCINNATI, OH
– In a troubling development at the
Port of Cincinnati
, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently intercepted multiple shipments of unapproved weight-loss medications, raising concerns about the safety of medications purchased from overseas. Among the drugs seized were Ozempic, Wegovy, and Trulicity, well-known names in the world of weight loss. However, these shipments didn’t come with the necessary U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, making them illegal and potentially dangerous.
A String of Seizures at the Port of Cincinnati
The most recent seizure occurred on October 5, when CBP officers stopped a shipment from a U.K. pharmacy that was destined for an Ohio residence. While the package was labeled as a “cosmetic weight loss product,” the officers found something much more concerning: Mounjaro injectable pens of 2.5mg, 5mg, and 7mg. The shipment violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the drugs were promptly seized.
Just a few days later, on October 14, another shipment raised red flags. This time, the goods were coming from Hong Kong, and once again, the destination was Ohio. Inside, officers discovered 20 vials of Semaglutide 10 mg and 150 vials of Tirzepatide 30 mg. The drugs had an estimated domestic value of $45,450. As with the previous shipment, the drugs were seized, marking yet another win for CBP’s efforts to protect U.S. consumers from unapproved medications.
Unapproved Drugs: A Growing Concern
These two seizures are part of a broader trend noticed by CBP officers in recent months. Since the summer, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of unapproved weight-loss drugs being intercepted at U.S. ports. CBP’s vigilance in spotting these illegal shipments has played a crucial role in preventing potentially harmful products from reaching American consumers.
“These types of unapproved medications are common seizures our officers see on a regular basis,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations-Chicago. “Customs and Border Protection officers will continue to work with the trade industry and our consumer safety partners to intercept illicit and potentially dangerous products at our nation’s ports of entry.”
The Risks of Ordering Medications from Overseas
While the allure of lower prices may tempt some consumers to buy medications from online pharmacies abroad, the risks involved are significant. Drugs that don’t meet FDA standards can pose serious health hazards, including counterfeit products that may contain harmful ingredients. Even if the packaging appears legitimate, there’s no guarantee that the medication inside is safe or effective.
U.S. laws are in place to ensure that drugs are manufactured under strict safety protocols, and those standards cannot be overlooked. Purchasing from unverified sources is not only illegal but could also endanger a person’s health.
Protecting American Consumers
CBP’s actions are just one part of a larger effort to protect public health. By collaborating with industry partners and consumer safety groups, Customs and Border Protection is committed to stopping illicit drugs from entering the country and safeguarding consumers from unsafe products.
“We will continue to intercept these shipments and ensure that only FDA-approved medications reach consumers in the U.S.,” Sutton-Burke stated, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to combating illegal imports and keeping Americans safe.
Why It Matters
The fight against unapproved weight-loss drugs highlights the importance of buying medication from trusted, FDA-approved sources. With the rise of online shopping, it’s easier than ever for consumers to fall prey to dangerous offers. Remember, when it comes to your health, saving a few dollars isn’t worth the risk of potentially dangerous drugs that could do more harm than good.
In the end, the best advice remains simple: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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