RCMP seize stash of fake Viagra, gun, drug paraphernalia in Iqaluit

This week at house 1690-B in Iqaluit, RCMP seized a rifle and ammunition, a money counter, drug paraphernalia, and 761 pills, shown here, which are believed to be counterfeit Viagra tablets. Two men from Quebec, who had been visiting that residence, were arrested later on July 13 when their flight from Iqaluit arrived at Montreal’s Trudeau airport. (PHOTO/ RCMP)

Police seized 761 tablets of fake Viagra, along with a rifle, ammunition, drug paraphernalia and $88,000 in cash during searches executed simultaneously at house 1690-B in Iqaluit and Pierre Elliot Trudeau airport in Montreal, a press release issued July 15 said.

When two Quebec men, 43 and 21, arrived at Montreal’s Trudeau airport on July 13 from Iqaluit and retrieved their baggage, RCMP members moved in to search their bags.

During the search, police found $88,000 in cash, and the two men were arrested.

Earlier this month, the RCMP “V” Division Drug Section began an investigation into alleged drug-related activities being conducted at house 1690-B in Iqaluit, police said.

During the investigation, police found that two men visiting Iqaluit from Quebec were living at that residence.

On July 13, police surveillance showed these men had checked in at the Iqaluit airport and had left on a flight to Montreal.

On the same day in Iqaluit, the police executed a search warrant at house 1690-B.

There, the investigators found a rifle and ammunition, a money counter, paraphernalia used in the trafficking of controlled substances and 761 pills which, “upon initial investigation,” are believed to be counterfeit Viagra tablets.

The news release said the two men have been released from custody and will appear in court at a later date to face charges of laundering the proceeds of crime and possession of property obtained by crime.

The investigation is ongoing and further charges resulting from the raid at house 1690-B may result, police said.

The RCMP also issued a warning to the public that taking prescription medications not prescribed by a doctor can be extremely dangerous.

“Counterfeit prescription medications are made in clandestine laboratories throughout the world and their true ingredients are not known,” the news release said.

Anyone wishing to pass on information in relation to the trafficking of controlled substances or any other crimes can do so anonymously by calling the RCMP Drug Section at 975-4408 or Crime Stoppers at at 1(800) 222-8477.