Customs inspectors at Ashdod Port and inspectors from the Tel Aviv Customs and VAT Investigations Department have uncovered an attempt to smuggle 150,000 Kamagra capsules into the country.
Kamagra is the brand name of a drug with the active ingredient sildenafil citrate, the same active ingredient in Viagra and other similar products. It is produced by Ajanta Pharma, an Indian pharmaceutical company, and has yet to receive a license in either the UK, Europe, or Israel.
Viagra, on the other hand, has long been licensed for use. Viagra is manufactured by Pfizer.
The capsules were found in plastic barrels which were concealed within 80 larger barrels used to import pickles, and arrived at Ashdod port earlier this week. The importer declared that the barrels contained pickles.
After the customs inspectors discovered the barrels' actual contents, the Tel Aviv Customs and VAT Investigations Department detained and questioned the importer. A judge later released the importer under restrictive conditions.
The confiscated drugs are estimated to be worth approximately 3 million shekels.