NCJ Number
97574
Date Published
1983
Length
157 pages
Annotation
This hearing held by a congressional subcommittee on April 7, 1983, heard arguments for and against legislation which would make robbery of controlled substances from a pharmacy a Federal crime.
Abstract
Witnesses included representatives of retail stores and of the National Association of Retail Druggists, prosecutorial officials from Federal and State governments, and a representative of the National District Attorney's Association. Congressman Henry Hyde, sponsor of H.R. 1255, the Controlled Substances Robbery Act, noted that the legislation excludes thefts which do not involve force, violence, or intimidation. He argued that other actions related to controlled substance are already Federal offenses and that local pharmacists are increasingly the targets of robberies as the Drug Enforcement Administration has become more effective in controlling drug traffic. He also stated that the new legislation would make the Hobbs Act, a general statute, more specific. The Rhode Island attorney general and a representative of the National District Attorney's Association opposed the legislation. They argued that the Federal Government has stated that it would prosecute only major robberies, due to lack of resources, and that many cases would not be addressed as a result. They also noted that State penalties are sometimes more severe than the proposed Federal penalties. Further arguments were that the local police have informants which Federal drug agents do not have and that mandatory sentences are inappropriate. Written statements, letters, copies of several proposed bills, and related materials are included.