The opiate and heroin epidemic got much of its start in doctors' offices.
“I was surprised to see that doctors, at times, are at the root of the problem,” Criminal Justice Director Elie Honig
told BreakingAC last month. “You see a doctor as a responsible authority figure, but some are functioning as pill mills, indiscriminately prescribing opiates.”
Now, state Attorney General Christopher Porrino is asking for the public to help find these doctors, and put them out of business.
"If you suspect a doctor or pharmacist is illegally prescribing or dispensing pain pills, please call our confidential, toll-free tipline," Porrino says in a new public service video.
The Prescription Fraud Investigative Strike Team formed four years ago has filed criminal charges against six doctors and a pharmacist for prescribing opiates indiscriminately, according to Porrino.
Two of those doctors have been charged with strict liability in overdose deaths linked to them.
Jason Stoveken died July 27, 2013, of an "acute combined toxicity" of oxycodone and Xanax.
Dr. George Beecher allegedly regularly prescribed oxycodone and Xanax to the young man who had no medical reason for the drugs.
Beecher along with Stoveken's father allegedly continued to sell oxycodone pills to drug dealers even after Stoveken's death, making tens of thousands of dollars, the attorney general previously said.
Dr.
Byung Kang, 77, allegedly continued prescribing oxycodone to Michael Justice, even after his mother threatened to call police. The 26-year-old was found dead Dec. 16, 2014, with empty bottles of oxycodone prescribed by Kang.
Investigators seized $1.4 million seized from Kang and his receptionist wife that was allegedly made from drug deals.
Porrino said his office "will diligently pursue any leads" from the calls. "It is a matter of life and death."
To report doctors or pharmacists, call 866-TIPS-4CJ or 866-847-7425.
