Counterfeit Viagra and Cialis Trafficking Rocks Texas
HOUSTON – In a shocking turn of events, 52-year-old Timothy Ross Estabrook has been charged with trafficking in counterfeit Viagra® and Cialis®, introducing and delivering misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, smuggling, and conspiracy. The indictment, returned under seal on February 13, 2013, in Houston, was unsealed yesterday after he made an initial appearance in Kansas City, Mo.
Estabrook, a Missouri resident, was arrested at his home in Lake Waukomis, Mo., on Monday, February 25, 2013. The 52-year-old has been released on bond and is scheduled to appear in Houston to answer the charges on March 14, 2013.
According to the indictment, Estabrook allegedly smuggled counterfeit Viagra® and counterfeit Cialis® into the United States from China. The indictment alleges that he shipped them from Missouri to Texas in partnership with a co-conspirator in China. Estabrook also allegedly conspired to purchase Tadalafil and Sildenafil, the active ingredients in Viagra® and Cialis®, from a co-conspirator in China.
Estabrook faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum $2 million fine for trafficking in counterfeit goods and up to 20 years and a $250,000 fine for smuggling. If convicted of the conspiracy charge, he further faces a sentence of up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine and up to three years and a $10,000 fine for introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce.
The investigation into Estabrook was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Food and Drug Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Julie Redlinger is prosecuting the case.
Estabrook’s alleged crimes have sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing outrage and concern over the safety of counterfeit medications. As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: the sale of counterfeit medications will not be tolerated in Texas or anywhere else.
Stay tuned to Grimy Times for further updates on this developing story.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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