Gov. Scott To Crackdown On Fla. Pill Mills
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) -- Gov. Rick Scott has announced a major statewide crackdown on pill mills.
Scott is using $800,000 in residual federal law enforcement money to create a strike force to crack down on unscrupulous doctors and pharmacies that are illegally distributing prescription drugs in unmatched amounts to addicts and drug dealers.
These so-called "pill mills" have given the state of Florida a deserved, but unwanted reputation as the haven for anyone looking for these drugs -- namely oxycodone.
Scott pointed to a statistic on Monday that 98 of the 100 leading dispensers of oxycodone nationally are doctors who reside in Florida, namely Miami, Tampa and Orlando. He's also bringing in several other state agencies to assist the Department of Law Enforcement with the investigation into the trafficking of prescription drugs.
The $800,000 in unused grant funds will be made immediately available for local law enforcement investigative efforts. The funds will go to the local strike teams to support overtime and other expenses. In addition, he directed other agencies under his purview to support the strike force. The Florida Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration will provide regulatory and licensing personnel, and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco will provide sworn investigators.
Governor Scott also announced the Florida Cabinet's authorization of the Florida Highway Patrol's participation, and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater authorized investigators from the Division of Insurance Fraud to support the strike force.
Governor Scott's plan addresses the multiple threats to public health and safety, including pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers, unscrupulous doctors, storefront pill mills masquerading as legitimate health clinics and street corner dealers. Each level provides an opportunity for law enforcement to intervene and stop the illegal flow of drugs into Florida communities.
"The numbers plainly show that Florida has a serious problem that demands a serious, coordinated law enforcement response," Governor Scott stated. "Florida's future is threatened by crimes involving drugs, and our local sheriffs and chiefs simply cannot continue to tackle this mounting issue alone."
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
