ISLAMABAD (TIP)Barack Obama has unwittingly become the face of contraband Viagra, which is currently seeing booming sales in conservative northern Pakistan.
A Peshawar market has pills and gels available emblazoned with the US president’s image that promise to boost libido and sexual function, according to news agency Agence France Presse. Four of the fake Viagra pills cost $1 and sales are on the up, despite being banned in Pakistan.
The drug is instead smuggled in from Afghanistan and is sold in pharmacies. Although some versions of the contraband drug are simple copies, others are made from unknown chemicals and can produce potentially harmful side effects. The use of the drug has become increasingly popular among the younger generations – or the people who would not typically need to use it.
Some users have reported side effects that doctors in the area have been unqualified to treat. Afghanistan’s close proximity means the drug is likely to remain on sale in the region thanks to a steady and readily available supply.