House Republican Press Release

March 8, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Cafero Wants Stronger Control Of Prescription Narcotics

HARTFORD – Legislation sponsored by House Republican Deputy Leader state Rep. Lawrence F. Cafero of Norwalk will require anyone purchasing prescription narcotics to present positive identification, a measure that will help reduce the potential misuse of controlled substances.

Cafero today said that the state needs to act now to prevent powerful narcotics from being used illegally, a trend he said is rising.

“This is a relatively simple step that we can take to make sure that narcotics that are prescribed by a physician do not fall into the wrong hands,’’ Cafero said. “Currently we rely on the good faith of pharmacists to release the drugs to the proper person who shows up at the counter.’’

His bill will be aired at a public hearing on Thursday March 9 in the Commerce Committee. “The potential for abuse and harm is real. Prescriptions drugs can wind up in places where they don’t belong. We ask for identification at the checkout counter at the supermarket to write a check for groceries. We can certainly do it for prescription narcotics,’’ Cafero said

He added, “Additional safeguards need to be put in place to ensure that these powerful drugs are not abused or given to someone who should not have them.’’

Cafero has played a leading role in the legislature working on substance abuse prevention, particularly among young people. Cafero said he is concerned about increasing levels of addiction to narcotic substances that are available by prescription over the counter at state pharmacies. His legislation will make it easier for authorities to monitor the distribution of narcotics and make sure that they are legitimately used by the proper person.