2 NJ men arrested for distribution of counterfeit Viagra

NEWARK, N.J. — Two New Jersey men were arrested Wednesday in North Bergen, N.J., for distributing 9,600 pills of counterfeit Viagra. The counterfeit Viagra had a suggested retail price of $130,000. This case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Hudson County (N.J.) Sheriff's Office.

Yousef M. Awawda, 34, of West New York, N.J., and Abdul J. Kazan, 27, of Haledon, N.J., were arrested for selling counterfeit Viagra. Both individuals are being charged with possession and trafficking of counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

On Jan. 23, HSI special agents along with Hudson County detectives conducted an operation in which Awawda allegedly sold counterfeit Viagra pills to an undercover officer. At the time of his arrest, Awawda was in possession of 9,600 counterfeit Viagra pills.

Subsequent to Awawda's arrest, HSI special agents and detectives arrested Kazan, who was Awawda's alleged supplier.

Both men are detained on a $100,000 bond.