Proposed Legislation May Help Fight Prescription Drug Theft

April 10, 2011

Proposed Legislation May Help Fight Prescription Drug Theft

According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, $184 million dollars worth of prescription drugs were stolen in the U.S. alone last year. The prescription drugs ranged from opiates like OxyContin and Vicodin to drugs for erectile dysfunction. While many of these drugs are sold on the black market, an unknown amount also ends up back in pharmacies. This can cause problems for patients who take drugs that may have been tampered with or stored improperly. One such occurrence happened recently when several diabetes patients ended up with bad insulin from the thieves' lack of proper refrigeration of the drug before they sold it wholesale to a pharmacy.

Theft of prescription drugs is not only growing more common, but traffickers have become bolder as well. In March of 2010, $75 million worth of antidepressants and other drugs were stolen from a warehouse in Connecticut, believed to be the largest prescription drug heist to date.

In response, six U.S. Senators recently proposed the SAFE Doses Act (Strengthening and Focusing Enforcement to Deter Organized Stealing and Enhance Safety) in order to stem the increasing rise in prescription drug theft. Among other things, the legislation would:
-Increase sentencingfor prescription drug theft
-Let authorities set up wiretaps and other surveillance through the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) law.
-Allow for civil penalties and forfeiture of gains made from selling stolen drugs

Law Enforcement to Target Sophisticated Drug Rings

Black market prescription drugs have become big business, and accordingly the theft of prescription drugs has become more and more professionalized. The Drug Enforcement Administration reported that prescription drugs are abused more than cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines.

The drug traffickers will generally use nonviolent methods to secure the cargo. Often staking out warehouses and shipping routes before stealing the drug. Because of the relatively small size of prescription medication cargo, and their value on the black market, prescription drugs have attracted organized crime.

In addition to the proposed legislation, the Food and Drug Administration has started a web page that informs the public of any drugs that have been stolen. On the site, it will report what the product is and what consumers should do if they see stolen medication.

If you have been charged with drug trafficking or possession, speak with a criminal defense attorney immediately.

Article provided by The Law Office of Henry S. Hilles, III
Visit us at http://www.hilleslaw.com