title: Halting the illegal sale of prescription medications in Los Angeles County.
abstract: The illegal sale of prescription medications by unlicensed vendors is a widespread practice in Los Angeles County. Many members of ethnic and particularly Latino communities turn to unlicensed vendors because of financial and cultural reasons and/or a lack of access to the U.S. health care system. In response, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services developed a two-part effort to curb the illegal sale of pharmaceuticals. Dramatically increased law enforcement resulted in 280 investigations, 121 arrests, and the confiscation of $4-$4.5 million worth of illegal pharmaceuticals during the first 20 months. The department also has begun outreach efforts to educate those communities most affected by these practices.
authors.affiliation: Los Angeles County, Department of Health Services, California, USA.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Fielding
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hamai
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Hassakis
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ashton
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tye
mesh_terms: D003415:Crime / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles; D011635:Public Health Administration