US Stops Seizures of Prescription Drugs Imported from Canada

According to an e-mail emanating from the US Department of Homeland Security (Department) to Congressional staff, the Department has decided to stop confiscating prescription drugs sent through the mail from Canada, citing pressure from Congress. The Department began the practice of seizing drug shipments in November, 2005, due to heightened concerns over the safety of drug importation (for previous news regarding state drug importation systems see E-TIPS®, "Drug Importation into the US from Canada – New Developments" Vol 3, No 6, September 1, 2004). In the 11-month period from November 2005 to October of this year, approximately 40,000 packages of drugs were confiscated. Following a seizure, a notice would be sent to the intended recipient informing them their purchase had violated drug importation laws. Although cross-boarder purchases are illegal, the seizures were unpopular with the American public. Senator Bill Nelson, a Democrat, had previously demanded a Congressional investigation into the practice and insisted the government was "harassing" consumers. Unpopularity grew as a number of media reports indicated the confiscations left many American seniors without essential medicines. The Food and Drug Agency (FDA) will now oversee the importation of prescription drugs. Senator Nelson has stated that he received assurances from the FDA that it will not interfere with small drug shipments for individuals. Nevertheless, the agency maintains it remains concerned with the practice. For more information, see: http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2006/10/04/drugs-border.html; and http://makeashorterlink.com/?C1545390E Summary by: Michael Migus