August 5, 2008 - 1:29pm
Press Release

Want access to post press releases? To sign up, use this form. You must be logged in.

Scalera Applauds Pseudoephedrine Bust

Assembly Democrats News Release

SCALERA APPLAUDS PSEUDOEPHEDRINE BUST

Urges Law Enforcement to Prosecute Smugglers to Fullest Extent of Federal, State Law

(NUTLEY) - Assemblyman Fred Scalera today lauded federal authorities' seizure of $34 million worth of pseudoephedrine - a key ingredient used to make illegal methamphetamines - at Port Newark.

Scalera (D-Essex), chairman of the Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee and prime sponsor of two 2005 laws that restricted and criminalized the sale and possession of certain amounts of pseudoephedrine in New Jersey and increased the penalties for illegal distribution and possession of prescription drugs, issued the following statement:

"Today federal authorities struck a significant blow against black market meth manufacturers.  Taking $34 million in pseudoephedrine off the streets is a victory any way you slice it.

"It proves that our proactive approach to homeland security is working to stop threats to our state and our country before they reach their destinations.

"And it provides the perfect opportunity for the state to make an example of these smugglers under our new, stricter laws regarding the possession and distribution of prescription drugs - and pseudoephedrine in particular - in New Jersey.

"Law enforcement officials should be congratulated for their victory today.  And the alleged smugglers should expect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of state and federal law."

--30--

JAMES SVERAPA IV can be reached via email at jsverapa@njleg.org.