After PSM published our pill press report, we heard from Rep. David Kustoff (Eighth Congressional district of Tennessee) that he was concerned about the proliferation of illegal pill presses and pill molds and the poor criminal penalties associated with this crime. His staff is considering legislation to increase these penalties so that criminals would receive a harsher sentence even if the prosecutor doesn't make the decision to file a charge for specifically using an illegal pill press or counterfeit mold.

PSM is asking families who have experienced harm from counterfeit pills to encourage Rep. Kustoff to introduce legislation to raise criminal penalties for crimes committed while in possession of an illegal pill mold. There can be no criminal deterrent to using illegal pill making equipment if nobody is ever charged with the crime, or given any punishment for it.

You can read the letter below and add your name. After the deadline we'll share the letter and your contact information with Rep. Kustoff's staff. We are hopeful that this results in new legislation introduced.

Dear Representative Kustoff,

We are families that have lost loved ones due to counterfeit medicines made with illegal pill presses and molds. In many cases, the criminals and their pill presses have never been found. We note that in many cases, even when drug traffickers who make pills with illegal pill presses and molds are caught, they aren’t prosecuted for the illegal ownership or use of them.

We support your efforts to help ensure that criminals who go into illegal drug manufacturing receive a punishment that matches the harm they can inflict with these tools.

We are not policy experts or legal experts. We can’t tell you whether or not the language or legal vehicle you might choose is perfect. What we can say is that our families have paid a price too high due to the ease with which criminals can get pill presses and molds and make counterfeit medications. The hurt our families have endured from these losses will never fully heal. We are grateful that you have recognized that harm, and are taking efforts to reduce future harm from illegal pill presses and molds.

We look forward to seeing your legislation and hearing about it's reception in Congress.

Signed,