There's big money for criminals in trafficking prescription meds such as those used for pain relief, anxiety, and depression. How big? Nearly $1 billion a year, according to a June 1 CNNMoney story.
The article says, “Prescription drug abuse [is] now the fastest-growing drug problem in the country.” The abuse “Is particularly rampant in cities like Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and New York.”
Demand is driving the business, with prescription drugs reaching the street in the following ways, according to CNNMoney:
• Thieves stealing legitimate shipments.
• Doctors writing false prescriptions that dealers fill and then sell the contraband.
• Traffickers recruiting Medicare beneficiaries willing to sell their scripts for cash.
• Young teens holding “skittles parties” where they try a variety of meds.
Watch a video of the prescription drug scams in Medicare Part D to gain a better understanding of how money is made illegally at various stages of the supply chain.
The U.S. Dept of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration's Office of Diversion Control offers advice on reporting illicit pharmaceutical activity and information on illegal online purchasing of prescription drugs.
-Jim Butschli, Editor
The article says, “Prescription drug abuse [is] now the fastest-growing drug problem in the country.” The abuse “Is particularly rampant in cities like Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and New York.”
Demand is driving the business, with prescription drugs reaching the street in the following ways, according to CNNMoney:
• Thieves stealing legitimate shipments.
• Doctors writing false prescriptions that dealers fill and then sell the contraband.
• Traffickers recruiting Medicare beneficiaries willing to sell their scripts for cash.
• Young teens holding “skittles parties” where they try a variety of meds.
Watch a video of the prescription drug scams in Medicare Part D to gain a better understanding of how money is made illegally at various stages of the supply chain.
The U.S. Dept of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration's Office of Diversion Control offers advice on reporting illicit pharmaceutical activity and information on illegal online purchasing of prescription drugs.
-Jim Butschli, Editor
