RCMP in Quebec have arrested nine people and charged them with selling counterfeit Viagra pills over the internet and in sex shops.

It was the first operation in Quebec targeting counterfeit medication, which this is a growing problem, said RCMP Sgt. Noël St-Hilaire.

"If you've followed in the last year, different seizures made by different police forces in different areas where they're producing ecstasy, now they're producing Viagra," St-Hilaire said.

He said heart medication, cholesterol medication, even pills for psychiatric illnesses have been faked and sold on the internet for cheaper than the real thing.

Health Canada's Sylvie Cantin says counterfeit drugs can be made from anything.

"Those are dangerous … as a starting point, because the consumer has absolutely no information, assurance of safety, or how the product is made," Cantin said.

Cantin says Health Canada is trying to do more to stop fake pills from reaching consumers.

"We're very worried about the trend. We're worried because of the risks that go with it," he said.

Cantin said people should play it safe and get a prescription from a doctor and get it filled by a recognized pharmacist.

Police did not release the names of those arrested.