INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Employees at two convenience stores in Indian River County have been busted for selling synthetic urine, male sexual enhancement products that contain Viagra and other prohibited items.
The substances obtained through the undercover operations were sent for lab testing and returned positive for the presence of Viagra.
The defendants now face multiple charges including unlawfully operating as a pharmacy, according to the arrest affidavits.
Mohammad Arshad, 42, of Fort Pierce, was arrested Dec. 23 in connection to sales made at the Express Food Mart at 632 Old Dixie Highway SW, Vero Beach. He is listed as the owner of the business license for the store.
Sultana Razia, 45, of 1565 41st St., Vero Beach, was arrested Dec. 23 for similar sales made at Kwik Stop at 1401 16th St. SW, Vero Beach.
In addition to the charge for operating as a pharmacy, Arshad and Razia are each accused of unlawful sale of prescription drugs and sale of imitation of a controlled substance.
Arshad is also accused of selling synthetic urine.
Authorities say business license holders at both stores were warned and given a chance to remove the illegal items from their shelves.
Undercover agents with the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (FDABT) purchased prohibited items from Arshad and Razia on multiple days in September at their respective stores.
During a third transaction at Kwik Stop, Razia told the undercover agent that she had bagged and returned the products to the distributor because the items had been banned.
Arshad and Razia were each arrested after the results of the tests were returned.
Arshad was released on Dec. 24 after posting $1,500 bond and Razia was released on recognizance the same day.
