NACDS praises introduction of legislation to curb organized theft of medical products

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A bipartisan bill that aims to provide law enforcement with tools to crack crime rings that harm consumers by attempting to resell stolen medical products on the black market has received the praise of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.



In a letter sent to Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., NACDS thanked him for his leadership in introducing and advancing S. 1002, the “Strengthening and Focusing Enforcement to Deter Organized Stealing and Enhance Safety Act of 2011,” also called the “SAFE DOSES Act.”

The letter cites the importance of the bill in the fight against the organized theft of medical products, specifically prescription drugs, biologicals, devices and infant formula. 



“Your timely legislation comes amid concerns that criminal organizations are increasingly targeting prescription drugs and other medical products, and particularly goods in transit, because of the high value of shipments.  It would combat this type of theft by increasing penalties, stiffening sentences for these crimes, making theft of medical products a predicate for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations law, as well as providing law enforcement officials with additional mechanisms to fight dangerous crime rings,” NACDS stated in its letter.



“We commend you again for introducing and advancing strong bipartisan legislation that will assist healthcare providers, retailers and law enforcement combat the serious problem of organized theft of medical products and we look forward to working with you to enact this important legislation,” the letter concluded.