South Dakota News: Drug Enforcement Administration

October 1, 2006 11:52 am Topics: Diversion and Internet pharmacy

Published in the October 2006 South Dakota State Board of Pharmacy Newsletter

The South Dakota State Board of Pharmacy works closely with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and South Dakota Department of Health, Health and Medical Services Division to prevent diversion of controlled and non-controlled prescriptions.

Recently, DEA launched a toll-free international hot line to report the illegal sale and abuse of pharmaceutical drugs. People can provide anonymous telephone tips about diversion of prescription drugs into the illegal market by individuals or suspicious Internet pharmacies. In addition, such information can be reported online through the DEA Web site.

According to DEA, people in the United States and Mexico have an anonymous, safe, and free way to bring information about suspected illegal pharmaceutical distribution to DEA. This information will greatly assist DEA to bring drug dealers to justice and prevent the tragedies that come from prescription drug abuse. DEA is particularly interested in hearing from families where loved ones have overdosed or died as a result of obtaining pharmaceuticals over the Internet. Tips including the Web site addresses will help put these pill pushers out of business. Anonymous reports can be taken by calling 1-877/792-2873 or reporting online at www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov and clicking on a link and filling out an electronic form. The hot line will be staffed by bilingual operators around the clock, 365 days a year.