A cold store in Bahrain has been ordered to close after it was found selling unauthorised herbal viagra for as little as BD1 ($2.65), it has emerged.

Sources said the store in Sehla had allegedly been selling medicines that claim to increase sexual potency, without a valid licence from the Industry and Commerce Ministry.

They told the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication, that the drugs, which are green in colour and come in attractive packaging, were understood to be of South East Asian and Chinese origin.

Sources said the raid revealed the pills being sold across the counter could be harmful, if taken without proper medical advice.

'The store was raided after a call from a local resident,' they said. 'Many of these were found to have been imported from a South East Asian country and China and had no labelling in either English or Arabic.

'These were being sold at between BD1 and BD3 for a packet.'

The sources said one week ago another store was raided in Manama and similar medications were seized.

'A preliminary examination has revealed that the seized medications were to increase sexual potency and could be harmful to humans if consumed without proper advice,' they said.

A senior Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) doctor also warned people not to purchase such medicines.

'We also appeal to the public to report to the authorities, particularly the Drug Control Authority at the Health Ministry,' said Accident and Emergency Department chief resident Dr PV Cheriyan.

'These are dangerous concoctions and every care should be taken before consuming them,' he said.

'These are being sold in an unauthorised manner and no one should buy them.'-TradeArabia News Service