News Summary
A 74-year-old man from East Greenwich has been charged with selling misbranded erectile dysfunction supplements containing the unlisted ingredient sildenafil citrate. Jitender Behl allegedly imported pills from India, falsely marketed as ‘all-natural.’ Over 130,000 pills were seized from his residence, misleading consumers about the product’s safety. Authorities are also charging Mahr Ahmed, owner of a wholesale distributor, who is expected to plead guilty. This case underscores the risks of unsupervised supplement use and the need for stringent regulations.
East Greenwich, RI – A 74-year-old man has been arrested and charged with selling misbranded erectile dysfunction supplements. Jitender Behl allegedly marketed thousands of pills falsely as an “all-natural dietary supplement” while concealing the presence of a powerful ingredient found in prescription medication. Authorities have conducted a large seizure of over 130,000 pills and tablets from Behl’s residence.
The investigation unveiled that Behl imported hundreds of thousands of pills from India, which contained sildenafil citrate, the same active ingredient in Viagra, without disclosing this information on the product labeling. Instead, Behl repackaged these pills under the brand name “JMY,” which stands for “Just Me & You,” and supplied them to Noor Inc., a wholesale distributor based in Providence, RI. This operation allegedly misled consumers regarding the true nature of the products being sold.
During the search of Behl’s home, law enforcement officials discovered not only the pills but also over 20,000 empty bags labeled with various claims such as “MALE ENHANCEMENT” and “72 Hours 100% Natural.” Labels touting phrases like “MAXIMUM STRENGTH,” “TIME,” “ENDURANCE,” and “STAMINA” were also found, misleadingly implying that the products were safe and purely herbal. In reality, the JMY label listed only herbal ingredients, such as white willow bark and Korean ginseng, leaving out the crucial information regarding sildenafil content.
Behl has been released on an unsecured bond after being charged with multiple offenses, including receipt in interstate commerce of misbranded drugs and introducing misbranded drugs into the market. The significance of these charges highlights the seriousness of the alleged violations, as they concern consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
Behl is not the only individual connected to this case. Mahr Ahmed, the 58-year-old owner of Noor Inc., faces similar charges after being charged on July 23 with the introduction of misbranded drugs. Ahmed has agreed to plead guilty to the allegations leveled against him in connection with this operation.
The investigation, which led to these arrests and seizures, was directed by U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom, signaling a proactive effort by legal authorities to combat the sale of counterfeit or unsafe pharmaceutical products. This case serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of unverified supplement products in the marketplace, especially those targeting sensitive health issues.
Misbranding in the pharmaceutical industry raises significant health concerns, particularly regarding the sale of supplements that may contain undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients. Sildenafil citrate, for instance, is a medication that, while effective for treating erectile dysfunction, can lead to serious health complications if used without proper medical supervision. The lack of disclosure about such ingredients puts consumers at risk, showcasing the importance of stringent regulations and enforcement in the supplement industry.
As the case develops, authorities encourage consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing supplements and to be wary of products that make bold health claims without sufficient scientific backing or ingredient transparency. This arrest and the ongoing investigation signal a commitment to ensuring public safety through rigorous enforcement of drug and supplement regulations.
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Additional Resources
- WPRI: RI Man Charged with Distributing Misbranded ED Pills
- Wikipedia: Misbranding
- Valley Breeze: New Eateries in North Providence
- Google Search: Erectile Dysfunction
- Providence Journal: Farm Fresh RI Cuts Workforce
- Google Scholar: Sildenafil Citrate
- NewsTalk KGVO: Providence Hospital Heart Expo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pharmaceutical
- Fun 107: Providence Track 15 Food Hall
- Google News: Supplement Regulations
