NACDS Endorses Bill to Protect Patients from Counterfeit Medication Trafficking

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) offered its support for legislation that would protect the health and safety of patients by increasing penalties for criminals that engage in the harmful practice of trafficking in counterfeit medications.

Introduced by US Senator Patrick Leahy (D,VT), S. 1886, the Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act of 2011 would impose harsher penalties for criminals who produce, buy, sell or purchase counterfeit medications. NACDS sent a letter to Sen. Leahy, offering its endorsement of the bill.

“NACDS and the chain pharmacy industry applaud your leadership in taking steps to protect American consumers by advocating for stricter sentences for criminals in the counterfeit medicine business. Presently, the federal penalty for a counterfeiting crime is typically three years. We believe that stronger deterrents, as provided in your legislation, are more appropriate for these potentially deadly crimes involving counterfeit medicine,” NACDS stated.

In the letter, NACDS applauded the bill citing it would further help efforts to deter criminals from preying on unsuspecting consumers, jeopardizing their health and safety.

“Under current federal law, no distinction exists between counterfeit medicines and other counterfeit products. Your important legislation recognizes the greater threat of counterfeit medicines and imposes penalties and deterrence commensurate with that threat,” the organization said.

NACDS has supported initiatives to protect U.S. consumers from counterfeit and diverted drugs. NACDS endorsed the SAFE Doses Act, introduced by US Senator Charles E. Schumer (D, NY), which would provide law enforcement with critical tools to break up sophisticated crime rings that harm consumers by attempting to resell stolen medical products on the black market.

To read the letter, click here.