Senator Figueroa leads attack of California elected
officials outraged over increased pharmaceutical
seizures
Sacramento - State Senator Liz Figueroa (D-Fremont) leads a
coalition of California elected officials who are demanding an
explanation for the recent increases in the seizing and destroying
of safe and affordable prescription medications.
This concentrated effort by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
to confiscate medication purchased by Californians through the mail
from well-regulated foreign countries, reverses a long-standing
policy of allowing small supplies of non-narcotics to be imported
for personal use.
“Without prior notice or explanation many Californians have been
denied access to the life-saving medication they depended on,”
Figueroa said. “We believe that these actions are reckless and
unnecessary and have put the health of thousands at risk.”
Most of the prescriptions confiscated include cardiac, respiratory,
and even diabetic medications that Californians need to stay
healthy. Legitimate international pharmacies are a life-saver for
patients, mostly seniors, who do not have prescription drug coverage
or cannot afford the high domestic prices. The median age of those
being denied medications is 69 years.
The crackdowns began in November, and the timing has not gone
unnoticed. The coalition questions whether this effort is aimed at
steering seniors into the Administration's new Medicare drug
program, which has generated confusion since it went into effect.
Escalated seizure activity began 2 days after the start of the
enrollment period. The increase in seizures and the strong legal
warnings issued to consumers mark a shift in policy for the Bush
administration, which until now has rarely acted against individuals
who buy drugs from Canada.
“The fact that these seizures happen to coincide with the enrollment
period for Medicare Part D makes them suspicious,” Figueroa said.
“It appears like a politically motivated, strategic effort on behalf
of the Administration.”
The coalition sent a letter today to the CBP demanding answers for
their recent actions. Although they claim to be protecting the
American public, the CBP's unexplained and inconsistent efforts have
done just the opposite.
Senator Figueroa chairs the Business and Professions Committee which
oversees the California Board of Pharmacy. Her office also
participated in a fact-finding mission to Canadian pharmacies in
2004.