RX FOR DANGER DEA targets FedEx, UPS in online pharmacy probe

In its ongoing effort to crack down on the nation's prescription-drug epidemic, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has gone after doctors, pharmacists, pharmacy chains, wholesale drug suppliers and now FedEx and UPS.

Even though the DEA will not confirm it is engaged in the probe, both companies have disclosed in corporate filings that they are targets of a federal investigation related to packages shipped from online pharmacies.

Based on the allegations, it appears federal officials are suggesting the shipping companies take responsibility for the prescription drugs inside packages they are transporting.

FedEx officials have called the California-based probe "absurd and deeply disturbing" and a threat to customers' privacy.

"We are a transportation company we are not law enforcement, we are not doctors and we are not pharmacists," FedEx spokesman Patrick Fitzgerald said in a prepared statement.

Though the probe has been unfolding quietly for several years, the investigation is now gaining headlines and attention from politicians, including Winter Park U.S. Rep. John Mica.

In a letter sent to DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart and Attorney General Eric Holder earlier this month, Mica asked the leaders to recognize "the difficulty and unfairness of requiring those carriers to assume responsibility for the legality and validity of the contents of the millions of sealed packages that they pick up and deliver ever day."

Mica who reports FedEx as one of his top campaign contributors told the Orlando Sentinel that, although he is "concerned by prescription drugs" and their distribution, it would be inefficient and ineffective for federal authorities to turn UPS and FedEx into deputy enforcers of drug policy.

"You can't stop commerce; you can't open every package," Mica said. "I'm only asking them [the DEA and DOJ] for a reasonable approach."

Mica did not offer a specific solution but said he hoped the two sides come to "some sort of accommodation."

More:
RX FOR DANGER DEA targets FedEx, UPS in online pharmacy probe