An investigation into Treasure Coast Pharmacy codenamed “Operation Juice Doctor 2” has resulted in the indictment of thirteen individuals. The arrests come several weeks after the pharmacy was raided by federal and state agents in June 2011. The co-defendants face charges for the illegal distribution of anabolic steroids, human growth hormone and oxycodone. Treasure Coast Pharmacy was one of the largest suppliers of anabolic steroids in the United States according to the government. The indictment named the principal owners and pharmacists associated with Treasure Coast. Prosecutors also took the additional step of charging the owners and “sales consultants” of anti-aging and hormone replacement clinic owners who used Treasure Coast to fill steroid prescriptions for their clients.
A six-month investigation by the DEA identified 57 doctors who wrote prescriptions for 10,774 orders of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone between October 2010 and March 2011. The Florida-based compounding pharmacy provided topical and injectable testosterone products as well as other anabolic steroids such as stanozolol and nandrolone for anti-aging, rejuvenation and hormone therapy clinics primarily located in Florida. Only 5 doctors were charged in the first wave of indictment from Operation Juice Doctor 2. It is unknown if the investigation will result in additional arrests.
Prosecutors made it clear that they have no patience for doctors who are prescribing anabolic steroids for bodybuilding purposes under the guise of legitimate testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
“Operation Pill Nation, Operation Snake Oil, Operation Oxy Alley, and now Operation Juice Doctor 2. In a span of just six months, we have attacked from every angle what can only be described as a homegrown prescription drug epidemic,” said U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer. “In Operation Juice Doctor2, we have charged corrupt pharmacy and clinic owners, complicit doctors and employees, all of whom made a handsome living dealing in prescription drugs, while hiding behind a medical license.”
The DEA issued a strong warning to other hormone replacement and anti-aging clinics as well as individuals considering entry into the business.
“We are sending the message once again to those that are still profiting and those who are considering entering this business, that we remain vigilant and aggressively pursue those conducting business outside the course of accepted medical practice,” warned DEA Special Agent in Charge Mark Trouville.
The “legal” steroid prescription model that has become popular among bodybuilders is under full attack. However, the aggressive government action conveniently ignores the fact that a significant percentage of the clients of Treasure Coast Pharmacy were likely seeking hormone replacement therapy for legitimate therapeutic reasons. This is an unfortunate setback for telemedicine.
Source:
Department of Justice. (September 1, 2011). Thirteen Individuals Charged with Illegal Distribution of Anabolic Steroids, Human Growth Hormones and Oxycodone. Retrieved from http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/September/11-civ-1126.html
Related Posts :
- Former Pittsburgh Steeler Doctor Indicted on Steroid Distribution Charges
- Doctor Allowed Chiropactor to Prescribe Steroids With His Prescription Pad
- Big Pharma Goes Crazy Marketing Anabolic Steroids to the American Public
- Lifetime Wellness Owner Pleads Guilty to Distributing Anabolic Steroids
