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A Dose of Reality

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During my careers with the Cincinnati Police and the Warren County Drug Task Force, I was occasionally reminded that law-enforcement officers are not immune to addiction, including addiction to prescription drugs. My office arrested several of its own officers and their relatives, usually spouses.

Contrary to the belief of some individuals, my office did not treat these drug abusers differently than other offenders. In fact, many former police officers in our country have lost their jobs for not reporting their addiction or asking for assistance before being caught. I firmly believe that individuals who are entrusted with enforcing laws should lose their jobs if they are convicted of a felony. [Read more…]

Drug Diversion in Healthcare Facilities

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Those of you who have followed this column over the years know that I have a special interest in the diversion of controlled substances within healthcare facilities. It started back in 1990 when I formed the Cincinnati Police Department’s Pharmaceutical Diversion Squad. We quickly learned that in addition to doctor shoppers, bad prescriptions, and other scams, a real problem existed in our hospitals and long term care nursing facilities with drug diversion. [Read more…]

COURT REPORTS: Waseca nurse charged with switching pain meds

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A nurse at a Waseca nursing home is alleged to have stolen prescription pain medications while at work and replaced the pills with other drugs.

Mary Ann VanVeldhuizen, 31, of Waseca, was charged Dec. 31 with third-degree possession of narcotics, felony theft and criminal neglect, after telling Waseca Police investigators that she took prescription painkillers from bubble packs and refilled them with other medications. [Read more…]

The Other Victim of Drug Diversion and Abuse: The Legitimate Patient with Pain

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I have been in law enforcement for almost 48 years, a portion of which—especially the past 25 years—has been primarily devoted to fighting illegal drug trafficking. I include prescription drugs in this work because when they are diverted, they essentially become illegal drugs.

The prescription drug work is somewhat different than combating the distribution of common street drugs, because with the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs, there are 2 victims. Collateral damage is widespread regarding all illegal drugs, but with prescription drugs, there is another victim: legitimate patients with pain. These victims basically stay hidden in our society, mostly because they are physically and financially unable to protest, and have little ability to organize with a united voice. Severe pain mandates paying undivided attention to these victims. [Read more…]

Savannah Nurse Busted on Drug Charges

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Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT) conducted an undercover operation that led to a local nurse in custody on felony charges.

According to a news release by Gene Harley, CNT arrested 54-year-old James Elliot Cooke of Savannah a registered nurse, employed with the St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital, after a two weeks of undercover agents buying pills from Cooke. [Read more…]

How BIG is the problem?

Year after year, state and local law enforcement statistics indicate that pharmaceuticals are almost 30% of the overall drug problem in the United States, running a close second only marijuana abuse. However, until recently, law enforcement, health care professionals, and the general public have placed little emphasis on this huge problem.

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About PDE

Pharmaceutical Diversion Education (PDE) is designed to assist a wide range of the population in understanding the potential abuse and addiction that can be associated with prescription medication.

Drug Diversion:
Any Criminal Act Involving a Prescription Drug.

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