Ibrahim Shedid, 29, and Ahmed Shedid, 35, both from Summerville, have been sentenced to 26 months in federal prison. The brothers pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to the sale and trafficking of counterfeit Viagra.
The investigation revealed that Ibrahim Shedid managed Big Boss Puff Stuff while Ahmed Shedid ran A2Z Warehouse. Together, they distributed counterfeit Viagra to convenience stores, fully aware of the pills' counterfeit nature.
In January 2024, law enforcement intercepted a shipment intended for Big Boss Puff Stuff containing over 9,000 bottles of counterfeit Viagra. Following this interception, additional counterfeit products were seized from a storage unit linked to both brothers. In total, more than 10,000 bottles with a retail value exceeding $25 million were confiscated.
Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina stated: “Trafficking counterfeit medication not only defrauds buyers but presents a public health risk. The $25 million value of these seized counterfeit drugs highlights the scale of this illegal operation and the potential harm it could have inflicted.”
Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant emphasized the dangers posed by counterfeit pharmaceuticals: “This conviction sends a clear message- those who manufacture and distribute fake medication will be held accountable.”
SLED Chief Mark Keel reiterated their commitment: “The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is committed to holding drug traffickers accountable for peddling poison in our communities.”
U.S. District Judge Bruce H. Hendricks handed down sentences of 26 months each for Ibrahim and Ahmed Shedid followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. Both brothers are also required to pay restitution amounting to $25,584,130.85 as mandated by the Mandatory Victim Restitution Act.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with support from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting.