Internet Pharmacy Charges

I. OVERVIEW

The United States Attorney's Office and the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice prosecute controlled substances violations of Title 21 of the U.S. Code, when pharmaceuticals are ordered and distributed illegally.

Commonly, the allegations in these Indictments are that the defendants make false representations to manufacturers and distributors that they own/operate a pharmacy in order to obtain pharmaceutical controlled substances, and to obtain them at a discounted, contract price. Usually in these Indictments, the government alleges that a "store-front website" is established for the purpose of carrying out the conspiracy or scheme. The allegations are further that the defendants advertise these substances as legitimate pharmaceuticals and distribute them via Internet sales without being licensed as pharmacists, and further that they distribute these controlled substances "on the street" as well.

If you or a loved one has been accused of an Internet Pharmacy charge contact Internet Pharmacy defense attorney John Teakell for your 100% free consultation by submitting your information here. If you are only researching the topic, continue below.

II. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

Substances include hydrocodone, phentermine hydrochloride, alprazolam, and promethazine (in cough syrup form). Allegations sometimes are that the cough syrup is sold on the street without the use of the Internet.

III. DEFENDANTS AND ROLES

Federal Indictments often allege that a staged pharmacy is established with warehouse locations to receive the shipments of the pharmaceuticals from manufacturers and distributors. Allegations sometimes are that labels are removed from the substances to regulators from the Drug Enforcement Administration and other law enforcement agencies cannot track the origin of the shipments.

In such a conspiracy or Internet pharmacy scheme, the defendants would receive and fill Internet orders for prescription medication without verifying identities, medical claims or a valid doctor/patient relationship.

If street sales are alleged, then the government will claim that these substances were sold "out the back door" to individuals, or to street-level dealers who in turn sell to individuals.

IV. PENALTIES

Penalties for convictions of these allegations are dictated by Title 21 of the U.S. Code and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

If you or a loved one has been accused of alleged internet pharmacy charges, contact internet pharmacy attorney John Teakell for your 100% free consultation by submitting your information here.