Marino, Pierluisi Introduce Transnational Drug Trafficking Bill

Press Release

Today, Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10) and Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi (D-PR) reintroduced the Transnational Drug Trafficking Act of 2015, a companion to a bill introduced by Senators Feinstein and Grassley. The legislation is intended to curtail the pervasiveness of the transnational drug trade and trafficking by making it easier for U.S. law enforcement officials to identify and target source-nation traffickers.

The bill also seeks to impose penalties on precursor chemical shipments to the United States which are used for the purpose of producing illegal drugs like methamphetamine. It also amends the Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act by adding a "knowing" clause that clearly articulates a seller must know the drug is counterfeit in order to be charged with a federal felony.

Congressman Marino said the following of this legislation:

"I appreciate Congressman Pierluisi's support on this legislation and his hard work on the Judiciary Committee. Both he and I know all too well just how invasive and damaging drug trafficking has been to our country. Because we have prosecuted so many cases related to the trade, we have made this bill's passage a top priority. It enables law enforcement to do their jobs and allows prosecutors to identify and put away criminals under a more clearly defined criminal code."

Resident Commissioner Pierluisi issued the following statement:

"I want to express my gratitude to Congressman Marino, who has been a leader in Congress on issues relating to drug trafficking and related violence. This is a smart and sensible bill that I hope will advance through the House in an expeditious manner."

Identical legislation unanimously passed the Senate in the 113th Congress.

Source