Partnership for Safe Medicines Statement on Sentencing in Canada Drugs Case

On Friday, Apri 13, 2018, Shabbir Safdar, executive director of The Partnership for Safe Medicines, released the following statement after the sentencing of Canada Drugs and founder Kris Thorkelson by U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen in Helena, Montana:

“This decision is a slap on the wrist and an insult to the victims of Canada Drugs’ crimes. Stated simply, illegal importation through Canada is not safe and can kill.

“Every day, Americans are increasingly put at risk of being harmed by counterfeit medications. While criminal drug suppliers profit, patients suffer. We must work to ensure that every state and community are protected from illicit and deadly substances.

“Instead of allowing Canada Drugs, a multi-million-dollar company, to pay a fee for the damage that they have done, we should ensure that the punishment always fits the crime. This shouldn’t include keeping your pharmacy license and/or house arrest with Netflix. It is time to stand firm and recognize that the health and safety of Americans can’t be taken for granted.”

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