The Minister for Human Services, Chris Bowen MP, and Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O`Connor MP, reminded Australians travelling overseas to be careful when packing Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
drugs following a joint operation targeting illegal exports of taxpayer-subsidised medication that resulted in the confiscation of
pills.
Officers from Medicare Australia and Customs and Border Protection have scanned outgoing mail and baggage for excess amounts of PBS drugs during the recent two week operation and have confiscated more than 300 pills.
"This is a timely reminder for travellers to follow the rules about travelling with PBS drugs, which can only be taken overseas for personal use by you or someone travelling with you," Mr Bowen said.
"Illegally exporting PBS drugs misuses taxpayer dollars and undermines the integrity of the PBS system, which protects us all from high pharmaceutical costs."
Medicare Australia administers the PBS and works closely with Customs and Border Protection in regular operations targeting illegal PBS
drug exports.
"Customs and Border Protection officers are always on the lookout for the illegal export of PBS medicine, in both intensive operations and everyday checks," Mr O`Connor said.
"When our officers detect large quantities of medicine, they ask passengers to provide proof that it is for personal use, such as a prescription or letter from a doctor."
People who defy the law and intentionally send PBS drugs overseas could face fines of up to $5000 and two years in prison.
Source:
Department of Human Services, Australia
