News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2002

DEA Michigan Halts Diversion of Prescription Drugs

On December 3, 2002, members of the Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team (LAWNET), Michigan State Police (MSP), the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Diversion Unit executed four search warrants at pharmacies in Washtenaw County, Michigan. These searches were conducted based on an investigation started by LAWNET in March 2002, who subsequently contacted federal authorities. The investigation indicated possible Medicaid/Medicare fraud and prescription fraud to divert vicodin and oxycontin to illicit markets.

The locations where the search warrants were executed include:

• Dexter Pharmacy 7039 Dexter Ann Arbor Road, Dexter, MI
  
• Dexter Pharmacy 8059 Main St., Dexter, MI
  
• Bailes Pharmacy 100 Ecorse Road, Ypsilanti, MI
  
• Village Pharmacy 325 N. Maple St., Ann Arbor, MI

"These investigations demonstrate the importance and value of the strong relationships between federal law enforcement agencies and our counterparts in local and state law enforcement. I commend LAWNET and their thorough investigators who recognized the scope of this case, which involves the diversion of thousands of controlled substance tablets and insurance fraud," said Michael A. Braun, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA Detroit Field Division, which oversees offices in Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky.

Other law enforcement agencies that participated in this investigation:

• Washtenaw County Sheriffs Department
  
• Pittsfield Township Police Department
  
• Ypsilanti Police Department

No arrests have been made in connection with these search warrants and the investigation is continuing.

For information regarding this media release, contact S/A David Jacobson at the DEA Detroit at (313) 234-4220.