Prescription fraud has gradually became the focus of Florida Law Enforcement over cocaine and marijuana as of late according to a story in the St. Pete Times. A recent 10-month drug investigation involving prescription drug fraud in Pinellas County resulted in impressive numbers. “Operation Pill Poppers” wound up with 150 counts of doctor shopping, 55,000 pills worth three-quarters of a million dollars and 74 suspects. The problem, as of yesterday there were only 20 arrests made.
The prescription drug crimes division for Pinellas County has doubled in size in hopes of battling the growing problem of prescription drug fraud. With no statewide prescription computer system, doctor shopping and prescription fraud is a growing problem in Florida. According to the story law enforcement believes if they could stop paper prescriptions, 70% of the prescription fraud cases would go away.
