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Legal Importation of Prescription Drugs Into the United States From Mexico: A Study of Customs Declaration Forms

NCJ Number
175184
Journal
Substance Use and Misuse Volume: 33 Issue: 12 Dated: 1998 Pages: 2485-2497
Author(s)
A Valdez; A Cepeda; C D Kaplan; Z Yin
Date Published
1998
Length
13 pages
Annotation
A random sample of 2,005 declaration forms of persons declaring Mexican prescription drugs at the United States Customs office in Laredo, Tex., during June-August 1995 was analyzed to determine the nature and magnitude of the problem of the diversion of prescription drugs from legal to illegal markets.
Abstract
The study was prompted by recognition that an estimated 25 percent of United States residents entering Mexico purchase and declare pharmaceutical products on returning to this country, although little is known about the types, volume, and use of these legal psychoactive drugs. This legal importation is possible for drugs brought by United States citizens and accompanied by a Mexican prescription. Drug purchasers declared more than 75 types of drugs. Seventy-one percent declared Valium, 46 percent declared Rohypnol, and 25 percent declared Tafil; these drugs are all highly associated with nonmedicinal use among United States teenagers and young adults. Fifty-nine percent of the males and 62 percent of the females declared prescription drugs. An average of $150 worth of prescription drugs was declared per person. Findings indicated that the majority of the sample were likely to be buying prescription pills for the purposes of recreational drug use in quantities large enough to supply others. Findings indicated the need for closer monitoring of the patterns of prescription drug supplies that affect the United States/Mexico border and other regions. Findings also reinforce a documented need for more transnational cooperative efforts between the United States and Mexico. Tables, figure, author biographies and photographs, and 14 references (Author abstract modified)