Seizures of Canadian Drugs Rise (Rx's) [View All]

[LiviaOlivia]

Seizures of Canadian Drugs Rise
As Congress, Customs Spar
By JOHN CARREYROU
July 24, 2006

~snip~

Most prescription-drug importations are illegal under current U.S. law. But Customs and the Food and Drug Administration had tended to turn a blind eye to small mail orders coming across the border from Canada, where the national health-care system negotiates cheaper prescription-drug prices than in the U.S. On Nov. 17, that abruptly changed when Customs began systematically confiscating packages mailed to U.S. consumers by Canadian pharmacies.

The number of seized packages has now reached 37,154, angering members of Congress who have been deluged by complaints from constituents. "Some consumers have had their lives put in jeopardy. If you're on heart medication, you can't miss a day or two," says Dan McLaughlin, a spokesman for Sen. Bill Nelson, a Florida Democrat who has been rallying opposition to the new policy.

Earlier this month, the Senate voted 68-32 to approve an amendment to the Homeland Security appropriations bill that would bar Customs from using federal funds to seize prescription drugs imported by individuals from Canada. The House passed a similar amendment in May. However, it remains unclear whether the amendment will make it into law. Drug-industry lobbyists are expected to push to scrap it when the bill goes to conference in coming weeks. The Bush administration and Republican congressional leaders have supported the industry's stance against Canadian imports.

~snip~

Ms. Hollinger, the Customs spokeswoman, denies any connection with Medicare Part D, which went into effect Jan. 1, six weeks after the wave of seizures began. "We're an independent government agency and we are charged with enforcing the law," she says. While enrollment in Medicare Part D plans ended May 15, Customs has continued the seizures. Ms. Hollinger says the agency has no plans to stop them, unless the Congressional amendment makes it into law.

~snip~

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB115370174252314942-YxacXt7_cNeqqH7sUxCfV5okGBA_20070723.html

read the whole article