Police Shut Down Pennsylvania ‘Pill Mill’

A combination of state and local law enforcement officers recently busted a prescription drug ring operating in York County and other locations throughout Pennsylvania. According to a news release from the state attorney general’s office, the so-called “pill mill” was run by a 37-year-old woman who was charged along with nine other people.

The suspects allegedly used fake prescription papers, rental cars and computers to create the prescription drug ring, which police say fraudulently obtained more than 3,500 pills, including Oxycodone and other drugs. Law enforcement officers estimate the drugs were worth about $75,000 and came from locations across Pennsylvania between October 2016 and September 2017.

The case had a big break in February when an informant told state law enforcement officials that the woman, Tracie M. Peurifoy, printed fraudulent prescriptions on a stash of prescription paper she kept at home. Her conspirators would then go to specific pharmacies throughout the state to obtain the pills, traveling in rented vehicles. Now, the 10 people face various felony drug charges.

A crackdown on prescription drugs

As the opioid crisis becomes more severe across the nation, but especially here in Pennsylvania, law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels are ramping up enforcement on crimes related to illegal use, possession and distribution of prescription drugs.

If you have been charged with any type of drug crime, it’s important to seek the assistance of a skilled Reading criminal defense attorney right away. To learn more about your legal options, consult a lawyer with David R. Eshelman: A Professional Corporation.