An Unexpected Fake in Los Angeles
Botox treatment is one of the fastest-growing cosmetic procedures on the market today. With the promise to eliminate wrinkles and fine lines, more and more baby boomers are turning to this product to fight the signs of aging. However, in addition to battling wrinkles, the makers of Botox now find themselves fighting the illicit business of counterfeit drugs.
Last week, Ms. Rana J. Hunter appeared in federal court facing criminal charges for her alleged role in a scheme to sell human growth hormone (HGH), and counterfeit Botox to spas across the country via the Internet. Ms. Hunter’s arrest came after an undercover U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, posing as a supplier for clinics and spas, purchased vials of the counterfeit drug and multiple vials of real HGH.
It was over a year ago when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers began intercepting packages from a China address to Ms. Hunter’s company, Westgate Distributors, claiming to contain synthetic hair pieces, plastic molds and "sample iron oxide" (better known as rust). In reality, the packages contained vials of HGH and counterfeit Botox.
Unfortunately, this is not the first instance of tainted or fake Botox. Several years ago, a physician was supplied with a research version of Botox, which is much more concentrated than that utilized for anti-wrinkle treatment and not intended for human use. It resulted in respiratory paralysis and near death for several patients, including the physician who was using it himself.
The take away message is clear – counterfeit drugs can show up everywhere and are dangerous. Keep visiting SafeMedicines.org to learn how you can protect your family from contraband and counterfeit drugs.