Policy/Enforcement News
Take Action: Ask congress to require domain name sellers to take down websites that sell drugs illegally
The “Domain Reform for Unlawful Drug Sellers” or “DRUGS” Act would require domain name sellers to lock and suspend websites when regulators or law enforcement show evidence that they are selling drugs illegally.
This would be a game changer for patient safety.
Video: Fake Cough Syrup Ring in Texas
Is there money in counterfeit cough syrup? There really is—but you can never tell what’s in fake medicine and sometimes it will kill you. Watch this week’s video to learn about a recently busted cough syrup ring in Texas.
[...]Video Series – Operation Denial: OCDETF shuts down a three-country fentanyl trafficking conspiracy
A teenager dying in North Dakota bought down a fentanyl conspiracy ring that spanned three nations and two continents.
Watch part 5 to learn about the task force that made this investigation possible.
[...]Criminals in the US are still making fake pills with pill presses. What should state legislatures do about it?
As counterfeit pills made with dangerous substances proliferate in the U.S., lawmakers and regulators are grappling with whether stronger penalties for the misuse of pill presses or tighter control of the machines would deter homegrown pill makers. We have looked at this issue and here’s what we found.
[...]Video: Feds Jail New York Money Launderers
When you buy prescription medicine online from an unlicensed pharmacy, your credit card charges can’t be legally processed by legitimate banks. Drug sellers turn to criminals to launder their payments. That’s how these New Yorkers just got a combined 104 months in prison for bank and wire fraud.
[...]Video: DEA issues a rare public warning about counterfeit pills
The DEA issues a rare public warning about counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine being seized in all 50 states. Watch PSM’s video to learn more.
[...]What is “Permanently Scheduling” Fentanyl-related Substances and Analogues, and Why is it so Important?
Learn why permanently scheduling fentanyl-related substances and analogues on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act is an important policy tool in the fight against fentanyl-laced counterfeit medicines.
[...]New report from DEA says cartels are driving fake pills, and fake pills are driving drug deaths
The annual DEA National Threat Assessment, which covers 2019 and the first half of 2020, is the best source of unclassified data on drug smuggling, illicit substance trafficking, and counterfeit medications as it affects Americans. Watch our News of the Week video at right, or read the high points on our Twitter thread. Below you’ll…
[...]Nearly One Million Poison Pills in 30 Days: Counterfeit Pills are Fueling U.S. Drug Deaths
The CDC says drug deaths are up 24% and the U.S. has seized nearly one million fake pills in the last 30 days.
[...]Hundreds of Recalls: Methanol-Contaminated Hand Sanitizer
When the first FDA alerts warning of methanol-contaminated hand sanitizers brands emerged, we reported them through our FDA alert system. Within weeks however, this trickle of hand sanitizer recalls turned into a flood. Learn more here.
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