Five individuals have been indicted and arrested on charges related to their involvement in a prescription drug diversion scheme. DEA reports that the individuals are charged with the illegal distribution of $3.4 million worth of oxycodone and other prescription drugs. The charges allege that the ringleader, Sergey Plotits, established medical offices “for the sole purpose of illegally collecting and distributing large quantities of highly addictive prescription medication,” indicates a DEA news release. Physicians were hired to write bogus prescriptions, and individuals were hired to pose as patients, with pills from dispensed prescriptions being funneled into the black market for sale, reports DEA. DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian R. Crowell stated that “Rogue medical professionals know exactly what they are supplying, and the inherent dangers associated with pain pill trafficking. Law enforcement at all levels has collaborated to create tactical diversion squads in order to stop. . .devastating drug abuse by identifying and investigating those responsible for diverting pain medication from those who medically need it to those who use it to endanger themselves and the safety of the communities they live in.”