RX FOR DANGER DEA blocks Florida Walgreens facility from dispensing controlled substances

By Amy Pavuk, Orlando Sentinel

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration on Friday banned a Walgreens distribution center in Jupiter from dispensing controlled substances to its pharmacies in Florida and the East Coast, saying the business constituted an "imminent danger" to the public.

The DEA said that since 2009, the Jupiter distribution center has been the single-largest distributor of oxycodone products in Florida.

An immediate suspension order alleges the distribution center did not have effective controls against the illegal use of controlled substances, DEA reports.

The suspension order alleges the facility failed to conduct due diligence "to ensure that the controlled substances were not diverted into other than legitimate channels."

"The diversion of pharmaceutical controlled substances is a great concern for the DEA," Mark R. Trouville, the Special Agent in Charge of the Miami division said in a statement.

"All DEA Registrants have an obligation to ensure that medications are getting into the hands of legitimate patients, and when they choose to look the other way patients suffer and drug dealers prosper," he stated. "The Miami Field Division will continue to investigate all those who contribute to this intolerable situation and deal with them accordingly."

In a statement issued Friday, Walgreens spokesman James W. Graham said, "We take our obligations under the Controlled Substances Act very seriously and are committed to ensuring the health of our customers and the communities in which we operate."

The action only applies to the Jupiter distribution center and only suspends the distribution of controlled substances.

"Our distribution center in Jupiter, Fla., will continue to be in operation to serve the needs of our pharmacies for non-controlled prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and general merchandise," Graham stated.

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RX FOR DANGER DEA blocks Florida Walgreens facility from dispensing controlled substances