NPS Ranger Question

[BradleyE]

I am considering working for the NPS as a LE Ranger. I am wondering what is disqualifying as far as prescription drug use. Late last year, I took some 222’s (over the counter pain medication from Canada) that a friend of mine gave me, and now I am concerned that it might be a problem.

[ExUSPP]

If it is over the counter, what is the problem?

[Ranger__101]

Here's why he is now concered.

222's - pain, severe headache (prescription required in U.S.)

(drug name) Narcotic Analgesics and Aspirin (Systemic)

Here's the possible ingrdiants in the pill.

Aspirin, Caffeine, and Dihydrocodeine

Capsules (U.S.)


Aspirin and Codeine

Tablets (U.S.)


Aspirin, Codeine, and Caffeine

Tablets (Canada)


Aspirin, Codeine, and Caffeine, Buffered

Tablets (Canada)


Hydrocodone and Aspirin

Tablets (U.S.)


Oxycodone and Aspirin

Tablets (U.S. and Canada)


Pentazocine and Aspirin

Tablets (U.S.)


Propoxyphene and Aspirin

Capsules (Canada)


Propoxyphene, Aspirin, and Caffeine

Capsules (U.S. and Canada)

Tablets (Canada)




So for his background he's taken medication that should be perscription bases in the US, but over the counter medication in Canada.

[ExUSPP]

Were you in Canada when you took them? If so it shouldn't be a problem. If you were in the U.S. did you know what they were and that they were illegal? Be more specific to get a better response.

[BradleyE]

They are sold over the counter in Canada at pharmacies. My friend brought them back from Canada and I took a few of them for headaches, etc. I did know that they were not sold in the U.S., but did not think much of it since they were over the counter in Canada. After thinking about it for awhile, I am now concerned that it will be a problem when applying for a seasonal NPS job.

[ExUSPP]

I don't know it could go either way. Just be honest and don't worry about it, the Park Service is run by a bunch of hippies anyway.

[chewy]

222's aren't even illegal here. You can import up to 50tablets with you legally when you cross the border. I have them in my house right now. Unless you are taking like ten a day they aren't even a consideration.

[BradleyE]

Interesting info Chewy. Do you have a code that states importing 50 is ok I can use for reference?

[K-9MALY]

Yeah its in the fmr U.S. Customs "Know Before You Go" pamphlet we give out at all the POE's. This stuff is also online at our CBP site. 222's are level II prescription meds and you can bring them in for yourself.

[Ranger__101]

I did not know that. I copied that part and also here's the link to the "know before you go"

U.S. residents entering the United States at international land borders, who are carrying a validly obtained controlled substance (other than narcotics such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or LSD), are subject to certain additional requirements. If a U.S. resident wants to bring in a controlled substance (other than narcotics such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or LSD) but does not have a prescription for the substance issued by a U.S.-licensed practitioner (e.g., physician, dentist, etc.) who is registered with, and authorized by, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prescribe the medication, the individual may not import more than 50 dosage units of the medication into the United States. If the U.S. resident has a prescription for the controlled substance issued by a DEA registrant, more than 50 dosage units may be imported by that person, provided all other legal requirements are met.

[urlhttp://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/publications/travel/knowbeforeyougo.ctt/knowbeforeyougo.doc[/url]

[K-9MALY]

Oh, I forgot to add that part about the licensed M.D. having to have authorization to practice medicine in the U.S.A
This was a problem on the southern border more than the northern one, with fake prescribitions by bogus doctors. You are also allowed to fill your med bottles that have the name and location of your M.D. and it has to be in English. Your thinking common sense stuff right? You'd be surprised.

[chewy]

Interesting info Chewy. Do you have a code that states importing 50 is ok I can use for reference?

Do an Internet search; it was a US FDA regulation decision. I think you're putting WAY too much effort into this. Personally, when asked if I ever did drugs Tylenol with codeine isn't even a consideration and I say no. They are not that big of a deal and are not illegal to use so there is no reason for you to disclose that you've taken them let alone worrying about it. There aspirin, nothing more, don't worry about it. The regulations state that you can bring in up to a 90day supply for personal use without a prescription but it is discretional and some places don't allow that much. You can go to www.fda.gov and search for "personal importations" in their 'Office of Regulatory Affairs' section.

[BradleyE]

Thank you (everyone) for your replies. This has helped. I just did not want to get looked upon unfavorably when applying for a federal LE job. I suppose it does not matter if my friend brought them over the boarder and gave some to me instead of me personally importing them.

[outdoorman]

Well in response to ExUSPP, I got to disagree that the NPS is run by a bunch of hippies. When I worked for them back in the 70's and 80's, most administrative and managerial-level folks grew up in the system and were fairly conservative.
Considering your call-name, I expect you used to work for the park police. Seems like things have deteriorated in service;see story of former USPP chief at www.honestchief.com.

[ExUSPP]

Well in response to ExUSPP, I got to disagree that the NPS is run by a bunch of hippies. When I worked for them back in the 70's and 80's, most administrative and managerial-level folks grew up in the system and were fairly conservative.
Considering your call-name, I expect you used to work for the park police. Seems like things have deteriorated in service;see story of former USPP chief at www.honestchief.com.

Oh my God! My Chief has been fired! When did this happen? Oh wait, that happened a year and a half ago. Thanks for the update. I guess I haven't been paying attention to what's been happening at work for the last 18 months.