President Bush goes to Canada on Tuesday and the very next day the Food and Drug Administration announced its latest action to curb the illegal importing of prescription drugs from Canada. The agency says the more affordable drugs from Canada may be “potentially unsafe” for American consumers.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York, on behalf of the FDA, filed a civil complaint against Canada Care Drugs, Inc. (Canada Care), Claire Ruggiero, and Christine Ruggiero for the illegal importation of prescription drugs into the U.S, the agency said on Wednesday in a press release.

“By continuing to illegally import unapproved drugs, Canada Care is putting at risk the health of patients who are expecting to improve their health,” Dr. Lester M. Crawford, Acting FDA Commissioner, said.

Canada Care was previously affiliated with Rx Depot, Inc., a company that was engaged in the illegal importation of prescription drugs until November 6, 2003, when the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma entered an order of preliminary injunction against the company and its affiliates to stop their illegal activity.

Following the preliminary injunction order against Rx Depot and its affiliates, Canada Care severed its relationship with Rx Depot. But the FDA alleges that Canada Care continued illegal activity in violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).

The complaint seeks to enjoin Canada Care from directly or indirectly importing or causing the importation of U.S.-manufactured and unapproved, foreign-manufactured prescription drugs into the U.S. in violation of the FDCA. The government will also seek preliminary injunctive relief and monetary relief in the form of restitution, disgorgement, or both.

(via U.S. Food and Drug Administration)