The Umansky Law Firm

A raid across areas of southern Florida this morning by state and federal law enforcement targeted "pill mills" that were allegedly dispensing oxycodone to patients over the internet.

Law enforcement dubbed the raid "Operation Snake Oil" and targeted pain clinic owners and operators who were marketing the drugs through around 1600 internet sites. Six people were indicted on charges of conspiring to illegally dispense over 660,000 doses of oxycodone. Three of the defendants have also been charged with conspiracy to launder illegal profits, as well as 26 counts of money laundering. The clinics netted at least $22 million in profits.

In addition to the six people charged in the indictment, doctors and clinic employees in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach area were arrested in the raids spanning three counties. In addition to the cash, the indictment includes forfeiture of real estate, a trailer park, and scores of vehicles and boats.

According to the indictment, the clinics required cash payments and allegedly used false urine tests and medical imaging to justify prescribing the drugs.

It is no secret that oxycodone is abused throughout the nation. However, one US attorney says that recent estimates show that Florida prescribes ten times more oxy than all other states combined. When drug dealers can get $10 to $30 for a 30 milligram pill, it's no wonder desperate people will risk selling them.

If you are facing a drug offense in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for a free and confidential case consultation.