(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today that multiple federal search warrants were served this morning in connection with an ongoing prescription drug abuse investigation in central Ohio.
Authorities with the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) assisted multiple agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) Tactical Diversion Squad, in serving the federal search warrants at the following locations:
- Columbus Southern Medical Clinic, 2912 South High Street, Columbus
- Pharma 1 Pharmacy, 1763 South High Street, Columbus
- Drug Store Pharmacy, 2940 Groveport Road, Columbus
"After a lengthy investigation, we have reason to believe that some people at these locations were involved with the improper prescribing or distribution of pharmaceutical drugs," said Attorney General DeWine. "Although we have come a long way in combatting this problem statewide, prescription drug abuse still happens and we need everyone's help to fight it."
Authorities began investigating the three locations after receiving a tip from a community member.
Those with information regarding the improper sale or prescribing of prescription drugs should call 855-BCI-OHIO (855-224-6446).
Additional agencies involved in the execution of today's search warrants include the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio, Columbus Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Licking County Sheriff's Office, Attorney General's Health Care Fraud Unit, Ohio State Board of Pharmacy, State Medical Board of Ohio, and Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation.
No arrests have been made.
Upon taking office in 2011, Attorney General DeWine made the fight against prescription drug abuse a priority. In that time, those with the Attorney General's Office have been involved in the permanent license revocation of more than two dozen doctors and pharmacists who improperly prescribed prescription medication, the conviction of 13 doctors, pharmacists, traffickers and associates, and the seizure of more than $1.67 million worth of prescription pills.
-30-
Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840