FDA Teams Up With Customs in Crackdown on Illegal Opioids

The FDA and Customs and Border Protection are teaming up to help crack down on illegal opioids flooding the country.

The two agencies have signed a formal agreement that will allow them to share information and laboratory space as the federal government tries to get a handle on the deepening crisis that kills 130 Americans on an average day.

“Thousands of illicit and dangerous products come from overseas each day, such as unapproved fentanyl products, counterfeit prescription drugs or fake over-the-counter products that look legitimate,” outgoing Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said, in announcing the new arrangement.

Among other activities, the FDA is offering its advanced screening technology to scan packages in the nine international mail sorting centers.