Author: James Anderson
Selling Prescription Drugs Illegally
Kent Chitwood, the assistant district attorney who prosecuted the case, said about 1 in 10 of the prescription drug cases he prosecutes involve an older adult. Although there’s been a crackdown at the federal and state level, the opioid epidemic took many lives and ruined many more. The problem is far from eradicated, and opioid addiction remains a huge problem. “Some may have economic reasons why they chose to sell their drugs,” Chitwood said.
In 2022, roughly 7.7 billion emergency department visits were drug-related.5 Thus, addiction prevention and reporting drug activity is the most effective way to reduce drug-related costs. It isn’t unlikely for someone selling drugs to be involved in other criminal activity. This is why many people feel discouraged from providing information to law enforcement.
What should I do if I suspect someone is selling prescription drugs illegally?
This is the person who will decide whether or not to file charges against the person selling their prescription drugs. The prosecuting attorney will need all the evidence collected, as well as any other relevant information. Following up with the prosecuting attorney is also important if the person selling the drugs is found guilty. This will ensure that they are given the appropriate punishment and that they are not able to continue selling their prescription drugs.
- Once the police have taken action, the next step is to work with the prosecuting attorney.
- In the U.S., prescription drugs can be legally provided by pharmacists, doctors, and medical professionals who are licensed to prescribe and/or dispense them.
- Anyone without such a license can’t legally give or sell prescription medications to others.
Health insurance companies and law enforcement officers are important partners in the fight against prescription medicine fraud. Since insurers have access to data from millions of claims, they are often the first to spot suspicious behavior from doctors or pharmacies and can inform law enforcement. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans also work closely with law enforcement to monitor doctors who prescribe high levels of narcotics and other controlled substances. Indeed, federal and state laws make it a crime to sell or give away prescribed controlled substances without a license. Fortunately, you can anonymously report suspicious activity through the phone, online, or with a mobile application. Groups like Crime Stoppers have mitigated the fear and risk of taking action against dangerous activities.
How to Report Illegal Drug Activity
Reporting someone selling their prescription drugs is an important step in ensuring that they are held accountable for their actions. By following the steps outlined above, you can help to ensure that the person selling the drugs is taken off the streets and that they are not able to continue selling their prescription drugs. Once the police have taken action, the next step is to work with the prosecuting attorney.
When you report drug dealing, an officer will verify your claim by observing and collecting the necessary evidence to present in court. If the officer confirms that the suspected drug activity is legitimate, they will arrest and charge the perpetrator following local legislation. Walsh said older Americans who sell their prescriptions do not operate like traditional drug dealers. Instead, they sell, and sometimes share, their medications through a network of friends and family members, often without a good understanding of the dangers or potential legal consequences.
Anyone charged with or being investigated for this offense should speak with a local, experienced criminal defense attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer should be able to assess your case for possible defenses and weaknesses, and advise you whether to go to trial or try to get a plea deal. The consequences for selling prescription drugs illegally vary depending on the jurisdiction and the amount of drugs involved. It is important to note that the sale of prescription drugs without a valid prescription is a serious crime and should not be taken lightly.
The doctor assigned vague diagnoses to patients and did not refer them for other pain management treatments. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plan filed a complaint with regulatory agencies and the doctor is being investigated by the DEA. Opioids are highly addictive medicines that include prescription painkillers and illicit substances such as heroin. Many people get hooked on opioids after receiving a legitimate prescription following an injury or surgery. They try to obtain more prescriptions for the medicines, and may turn to buying heroin on the street if they are unable to get access to prescription opioids.
How Can You Report a Drug Dealer or Activity?
The penalties for the illegal sale of prescription drugs vary, depending on where the case was prosecuted. (Federal charges carry the same penalties no matter where in the country the prosecution occurs, but each state has its own sentencing provisions). When reporting illegal activity, you must prioritize your safety and well-being.
Common Concerns and Questions on Reporting Drug-Related Activities
“Others have long histories and continue to do these things until their elderly years.” “We know that some elderly patients use their prescriptions as a strategy for increasing income,” said Sharon Walsh, director of the University of Kentucky Center for Drug and Alcohol Research in Lexington. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield Companies.
Finally, it is important to seek support if you have been affected by someone selling their prescription drugs. This can include speaking to a therapist or counselor, or joining a support group. Additionally, it is important to remember that you are not alone and that there are people who can help. In one case, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plan noticed that a physician had set up a pharmacy in his office and was prescribing a high volume of opioids, tranquilizers, muscle relaxers and other controlled substances. Plan officials conducted a full audit of the doctor’s records and found numerous irregularities, such as prescribing several powerful medicines to the same patient – a potentially deadly combination.