ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has endorsed legislation that aims to stiffen penalties on criminals engaged in trafficking counterfeit medications.
NACDS said Wednesday that it has sent a letter of support to Sen. Patrick Leahy (D., Vt.), who introduced the Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act of 2011 (S. 1886). The bill would impose harsher penalties on criminals who produce, buy or sell counterfeit medications.
"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," the association said in the letter. "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."
What’s more, NACDS noted that the bill would aid efforts to deter criminals from preying on unsuspecting consumers.
"Under current federal law, no distinction exists between counterfeit medicines and other counterfeit products," the letter to Leahy stated. "Your important legislation recognizes the greater threat of counterfeit medicines and imposes penalties and deterrence commensurate with that threat."
The association added that it has supported initiatives to protect U.S. consumers from counterfeit and diverted drugs. NACDS endorsed the SAFE DOSES Act, introduced by Sen. Charles Schumer (D., N.Y.), which would provide law enforcement with important tools to break up crime rings that try to resell stolen medical products on the black market.
