Los Angeles cracking down on sale of illegal pharmaceuticals
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles city officials are cracking down on the illegal sale of pharmaceutical drugs. Authorities aren't just targeting those who are selling the medications, they're also warning those who are buying them.
Thousands of illegal pharmaceutical products -- from fake steroids to phony pain relievers to bogus miracle cures -- were confiscated in Los Angeles in just the last week.
Erick Aguilar, who works for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, says these recent seizures are the result of a spike in the amount of illegal pharmaceuticals hitting the streets.
"We can't really explain why but we have seen it," said Aguilar.
City Attorney Mike Feuer held a news conference on Thursday, promising to crack down on people who sell the drugs.
"We have multiple pending cases now that we filed against those who would dispense illegal pharmaceuticals and we will be filing even more next week," said Feuer.
Typically, these counterfeit or bogus pills and compounds are sold in swap meets or in neighborhood stores. Authorities say the sellers target the Mexican immigrant community.
"The targets of these sales are among the most vulnerable people -- the people who often feel the least protected in our society," said Feuer.
Several people, who did not want to be interviewed on camera, told Eyewitness News they sometimes purchase pharmaceuticals or vitamins from swap meets in hopes of saving money. They said that without insurance, the underground pharmacies are often their only option.
"If you have an ailment that requires attention, see a legitimate physician," Feuer advised.
Investigators say the people who sell the bogus pills are not only breaking the law, they are putting people's lives at risk.
"In some cases, the ingredients contained in the so-called medications could themselves be dangerous to the person in any quantity," said Feuer.
Selling bogus or counterfeit pharmaceuticals that aren't controlled substances is a misdemeanor, which can result in jail time or fines.
