NACDS praises organized retail crime bill

ALEXANDRIA, Va. A bipartisan legislation that seeks to prevent organized retail crime is being applauded by the chain pharmacy industry.

The Organized Retail Theft Investigation and Prosecution Act of 2010, introduced by Reps. Bobby Scott, D-Va., and Lamar Smith, R-Texas, would create a specific task force within the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute instances involving organized retail crime.

Responding to this proposed legislation, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores commended Reps. Scott and Smith for their leadership to curb the growing problem of organized retail crime, noting that retailers not only face such burdens as increased costs and investment to cover their losses, but consumers also face risks.

“Consumers are placed at risk when package tampering occurs on consumer healthcare products, such as infant formula and over-the-counter medications. These stolen products are repackaged and relabeled to falsely extend a product’s expiration date or to hide the fact that the item has been stolen,” NACDS wrote in a letter. The NACDS also urged Congress to support legislation that treats theft committed by organized, professional crime rings as a federal felony.

“We commend you again for introducing and advancing strong bipartisan legislation that will assist retailers and law enforcement to combat the serious problem of organized retail crime, and we look forward to working with you to enact this important legislation,” the letter stated.