(Washington, DC, October 6, 2006) — Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen today hailed a Customs and Border Patrol decision to stop seizing prescription drugs imported for personal use.

In a series of letters, meetings and phone conversations, Christensen had called for the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Homeland Security to stop seizing prescription drugs sent from the territory to the mainland for traveling residents with prescriptions written in the Virgin Islands.  The ban was originally instituted to prevent American consumers from purchasing prescription drugs in countries like Canada because of their lower cost.

“I am pleased that at our urging, the relevant federal agencies have worked to resolve this issue which interfered with the ability of our residents who traveled to get their medications,” Delegate Christensen said.

According to Customs and Border Patrol, the ban will end on Monday, October 9 and only counterfeit medicines, narcotics and illegal drugs will be intercepted.  The Food and Drug Administration will continue to enforce drug importation, but since they have limited resources to devote to confiscation, the number of seizures should be greatly reduced.

Delegate Christensen said that she will continue to work on other postal and mailing problems affecting the territory.