The Food and Drug Administration joined an international crackdown on illegal drug sales over the internet. As part of the global action, the agency sent warning letters to the operators of more than 500 illicit websites. The FDA also confiscated almost 100 domain names.
Stopping Illegal Drug Sales:
As part of the international effort to stem illegal drug sales, customs officials, regulatory professionals and police seized millions of doses of pain pills, dietary supplements, epilepsy drugs and medicines for erectile dysfunction. The FDA concentrated primarily on websites that sell opioids and ship them to US consumers through the mail. Many or most of these sites are located in other countries, so the agency recruited assistance from the US Postal Service at its International Mail Facilities in New York, Chicago and Miami. Approximately 500 packages were identified as potentially representing illegal drug sales from international internet sites.
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb noted:
These rogue online pharmacies are often run by sophisticated criminal networks that knowingly and unlawfully distribute illicit drugs, including counterfeit medicines and controlled substances.”
https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm577178.htm
Learn More:
The FDA offers guidelines for consumers to recognize sites making illegal drug sales at BeSafeRX. You’ll also get guidance on how to tell if an internet pharmacy is legit or not in our online resource, Saving Money on Medicines.
Any online pharmacy that does not require a prescription from your physician is suspect. You should never respond to ads promoting huge savings on prescription drugs. Even if they turn out not to be a part of an illegal drug sales scam, they could bother you with incessant spam or even phone calls once they get your information.
