Large numbers of the New York City-branded condoms that are distributed for free across the city’s five boroughs under a US Health Department program are being smuggled into the Dominican Republic and sold for cash.
At the Pharmacy in Las Galeras on the Samana peninsula, the condoms are sold for about 50 US$ cents each compared to the around US$1 price for Durex condoms.
The New York City Health Department gives away 38 million NYC Condoms a year in an effort to stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV, and limit unplanned pregnancies, reports the New York Daily News.
The NYC Condoms come in a wrapper stamped “Not for Resale.”
“These are supposed to be free for New Yorkers,” said City Councilman Corey Johnson (D-Manhattan), chairman of the Health Committee, as reported in the Daily News.
“We should ensure that no one is taking condoms from places in New York City where they are needed and selling them for profit outside of the country. But if the condoms are leaving the country, he hopes they’re doing some good. If they’re ending up in the Dominican Republic, I hope people are using them,” he told the Daily News.
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/free-nyc-condoms-smuggled-dominican-republic-article-1.1756464#ixzz2yym8oAAP