Los Angeles Area Man Pleads Guilty in Boston to Smuggling Drugs from China

A Californian man recently pleaded guilty to smuggling tianeptine, a drug purported to enhance mood and cognitive functioning, into the country from China.

Ryan M. Stabile, aged 36, had been indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2019. His illicit dealings came to light when he smuggled tianeptine, a misbranded drug, and then resold it to American consumers online through his company, Supplements for Work. Worryingly, Stabile falsely represented that he was selling tianeptine for research purposes only, despite actually selling it to individuals for personal use. Marketed as a mood-enhancer, Stabile claimed that the drug improved cognitive functioning.

Stabile now faces possible prison time, fines, and supervised release.

As people continue to seek shortcuts for achieving heightened mental states, it is essential that laws, regulations, and education evolve in tandem, ensuring that individuals make informed decisions free from misleading claims and illegal practices.