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Drugs seized at Internet pharmacy

Federal agents confiscate boxes of controlled substances that might pose a health threat.

By REBECCA CATALANELLO
Published November 17, 2006

TAMPA - Federal agents seized a truckload of controlled pharmaceuticals Thursday from an online drug company based in the city.

The Drug Enforcement Administration suspended Medipharm Rx Inc.'s license to sell or purchase any controlled drugs on grounds the company may be posing a "immediate danger to public health," DEA spokeswoman Jeannette Moran said.

A Penske Rental truck was backed up to the 4607 N Clark Ave. warehouse from 9 a.m. until the end of the workday as agents confiscated numerous boxes of prescription medications, Moran said, including Hydrocodone, also known as Vicodin, and Alprazolam, also called Xanax.

Employees of the company were dismissed for the day after agents arrived to search the business.

Agents also seized controlled substances at Medcenter Inc., at 6935 S Carter Road in Lakeland on Thursday. State records indicate both are owned and run by the same people.

Though the action was not part of a criminal investigation, Moran said the Internet drug trade is of interest to federal agents because there tends to be less quality control than at a traditional pharmacy. She did not give details about what specifically troubled the DEA.

Florida Department of State records list Michael J. Anderson, Brian M. Green and John P. Hawes as officers in the companies, with Robert L. Caddick named as the registered agent. The Times was not successful locating any of the four late Thursday.

Moran said the companies are permitted to continue selling drugs, such as birth control, that don't fall under the federal controlled substances laws.

Business owners are entitled to an administrative hearing within 60 days, after which DEA Deputy Administrator Michele Leonhart will determine whether the businesses should have their certificates to deal in controlled substances permanently revoked, Moran said.

The DEA worked with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on the case.

Hydrocodone is an addictive painkiller. Xanax, often used to treat anxiety, also can be habit forming.

Times researcher Cathy Wos contributed to this report.

[Last modified November 17, 2006, 06:02:26]