Pharmacists Facing Criminal Charges for Prescription Drug Addiction
Pharmacy Employees Become Illegal Drug Dealers: Combating Prescription Drug Addiction
In a recent briefing, Marsel Dootaliev, the head of the Organizational and Analytical Department of the Service for Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking, raised concerns about the increasing trend of unscrupulous pharmacy employees becoming involved in illegal drug trade.
Dootaliev highlighted the danger of prescription drug addiction, particularly medications containing psychoactive substances with powerful analgesic or sedative effects. These drugs are often misused for recreational purposes, leading to a state of intoxication similar to narcotic intoxication.
The youth are especially vulnerable to the addictive and destructive effects of pharmacy drugs, making it crucial for these substances to be sold with prescriptions. However, Dootaliev noted that pharmacy staff often overlook this requirement.
In 2023, the Service conducted 12 operations and uncovered 24 instances of pharmacies selling drugs without prescriptions. As a result, five criminal cases were initiated, and fines and protocols were issued by the Department of Medicines for the remaining cases.
It is essential for authorities to crack down on illegal drug sales in pharmacies to protect public health and combat the growing issue of prescription drug addiction. Awareness and enforcement measures must be implemented to prevent further harm caused by unauthorized distribution of addictive substances.
