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A federal jury has found a 55-year-old guilty of selling fake Viagra and Cialis pills in Charlotte.
Awni Shauaib Zayyad, 55, of Wilson, N.C., could face up to 17 years in prison and $752,000 in fines, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The investigation into Zayyad began in June 2010 when he sold more than 500 counterfeit Viagra pills at a Charlotte convenience store where police were conducting surveillance, prosecutors said. Two months later, authorities began surveillance at Zayyad's home and then followed him as he drove four hours to Charlotte, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
When authorities stopped Zayyad before he arrived at the planned meeting location, they discovered more than 500 fake Viagra pills and more than 200 fake Cialis pills hidden in his vehicle.
The medications are used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Zayyad was charged with trafficking counterfeit pills, conspiracy and selling and holding counterfeit prescription drugs for sale.
After a two-day trial, a jury found Zayyad guilty of each crime on Tuesday. His sentencing date has not yet been set.
