USFA Members:
This could be the beginning of the end for "research chemicals"...
Vol. 1, No. 242
Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2004
DEA CREATES HOTLINE FOR REPORTS ABOUT ILLEGAL Rx DRUG ACTIVITIES
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has established an international toll-free hotline to receive anonymous reports about illegal sales, diversion or abuse of prescription drugs.
The agency said misuse of certain prescription drugs, including painkillers and performance-enhancing steroids, has become increasingly widespread in the U.S. and the agency is eager to receive information about suspected illegal distribution of pharmaceuticals.
"[Anyone] will be able to provide anonymous telephone tips about the diversion of prescription drugs into the illegal market by individuals and suspicious internet pharmacies," the DEA said in a statement announcing the hotline Dec. 15. "We expect callers will provide leads that will help root out offenders and shut down their illegal operations." The hotline — 1-877-RxAbuse (1-877-792-2873) — will be in operation around the clock, 365 days per year, and will be hosted by bilingual operators at the agency's El Paso Intelligence Unit, said DEA Administrator Karen Tandy.
Visitors to DEA's website can report suspicious internet pharmacies online, and the agency said it had received 810 such tips since establishing the link in June. For more information, go to Invalid Link Removed