October 17, 2001
Via Facsimile: Customs: 202- 927-2152; FTC: 202-326-3585
| The Honorable Robert C. Bonner Commissioner United States Customs Service 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20229 |
The Honorable Timothy J. Muris Chairman U.S. Federal Trade Commission 6th & Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20580 |
Re: Internet Sales of Anthrax Remedies, Gas Masks, and Other "Life Changing Products"
Dear Commissioner Bonner and Chairman Muris:
As America continues to experience acts of bioterrorism that threaten the health of our citizenry, I am troubled to learn of Internet sites aggressively marketing Cipro, a drug approved for the treatment for anthrax, gas masks, and other so-called "life-changing products." The Chicago Tribune reported yesterday that, "Over the last week up to 100 Web sites pushing Cipro have sprung up." However, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy states that none of these sites appear to be legitimate. Web sites peddling suspected counterfeit Cipro seem to be a legitimate and likely target for scrutiny by your agencies.
As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Finance (Committee), I request that your agency immediately shut down Web sites marketing suspected counterfeit Cipro and make the appropriate referrals for prosecution within one month. Clearly, the conduct of those individuals marketing suspected counterfeit Cipro is not much different than the conduct of those individuals performing anthrax hoaxes -- they are preying on the fears of Americans.
Recently, a member of my staff received an e-mail entitled, "MIRACLE DRUGS ONLINE HERE," the text of which follows:
Dear Fellow American,
As we all know, our world has now changed since the September 11 attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. We have enemies that are willing to go to any length to destroy our country.
We do not know what they may try next, but Attorney General John Ashcroft says there is 100% chance they will try something in the future, the question is, what will they do, and where will they do it?
As we all know, there is a threat, that these terrorists may try to attack next with CHEMICAL or BIOLOGICAL weapons. That is why we at MultiRX, have recently added to our line of products items that you can use to protect yourself and your family.
We now offer Gas Masks that are 100% Certified by the Israeli Army. We also offer Cipro, the ONLY medication approved by the FDA to treat ANTHRAX. We know, that as of October 10, at least 3 people in Florida have contracted Anthrax, and one of those people has died.
The initial symptoms for Anthrax are cold and flu. In order for Anthrax to be treated, ANTIBIOTICS MUST BE ADMINISTERED BEFORE ANY MORE SERIOUS SYMPTOMS OCCUR, OTHERWISE, DEATH IS ALMOST CERTAIN !!.
It is also quite certain, with the cold and flu season almost upon us, that people will be flocking to their doctor when they get any sign of a cold of flu, to be tested, for ANTHRAX....
IMAGINE, THAT YOU ACTUALLY HAD THE FLU, AND IT WAS ANTHRAX, AND YOU DIDN'T KNOW IT, AND YOU COULD NOT GET INTO YOUR DOCTOR FOR SEVERAL DAYS BECAUSE HE IS TOTALLY BOOKED UP BECAUSE OF PANIC. If you already are administering Cipro, it could make the difference between life and death. ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THIS CHANCE??
If not, please visit our website. You only need to fill out a simple form, and on approval from our Online doctors you will have your Cipro, Gas Mask, or any of our other life changing products delivered to your door by FedEx in 2 days.
Please, think about the safety of yourself and your family. This is good "insurance" .. just in case!!
We at MultiRX have for years offered pharmaceutical products that enhance and improve the quality of life. For example, we offer, without a doctor's appointment, filling out a simple online application that our doctors review, the following medications:
__________________________________
Viagra - For Sexual Disfunction
Xenical - For Weight Loss
Propecia - For Hair Loss
Claritin - For Allergies
Celebrex - For Arthritis Pain
Renova - For Skin Problems
Zyban - For Smoking
__________________________________
To order Cipro, Gas Masks, or any of our other life changing products, please click on the link below:http://www.deskofgold.com/lindex.htm>
Thank you, and GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Given the importance of this issue to our society and its citizens, I appreciate your responses to the following questions.
1. Will your agency be able to shut down Internet marketers of suspected counterfeit Cipro within the month? Will your agency be able to identify the responsible individuals and refer them for prosecution? If your answer to either question is in the negative, explain why not.
2. Describe how your agency is working to identify marketers of suspected counterfeit Cipro, and state the number of "open" cases.
3. Describe your agency's efforts to educate the public about possible health and safety risks associated with suspected counterfeit pharmaceuticals in general, and with Cipro and other anthrax prevention drugs in particular.
4. Describe how your agency is working with the Bayer Corporation, manufacturers of Cipro, to prevent unauthorized marketing of Cipro.
Your cooperation in responding to these requests by November 2, 2001, is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Grassley
Ranking Member
cc:Gary S. Balkema
Executive Vice President, Bayer Corporation
President, Consumer Care Business Group
400 Morgan Lane
West Haven, CT 06516-4175