NACDS applauds passage of Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Friday applauded the Senate for passage of the Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act (S. 1886), which NACDS said would protect the health and safety of consumers by increasing penalties on criminals that engage in the harmful practice of trafficking in counterfeit medications.



The bill is sponsored by Sens. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, and Michael Bennet, D-Colo.



“We applaud the Senate for their passage of this important legislation, and thank Sens. Leahy, Grassley and Bennet for their leadership in advocating stricter sentences for criminals who put consumers in harm’s way by trafficking counterfeit medications,” NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson said. “We urge the House to move swiftly in passing this legislation that puts consumer health safety ahead of criminal activities.”  



Endorsed by NACDS, S. 1886 would impose harsher penalties on criminals who produce, buy, sell or purchase counterfeit medications. Under current federal law, there is no distinction between counterfeit medications and other counterfeit products.

 NACDS also has supported efforts to protect consumers from counterfeit and diverted drugs. 

NACDS supports legislation introduced by Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., called the SAFE Doses Act (S.1002). This legislation would provide law enforcement with critical tools to break up sophisticated crime rings that harm consumers by attempting to illegally resell stolen medical products.

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