Attorney General Seizes Internet Drug Shipments
Narcotics Destined for Towns Across Kentucky Snared by Kentucky Bureau of Investigation

FRANKFORT, KY (April 5, 2006) – Attorney General Stumbo announced today that agents of the Kentucky Bureau of Investigation (KBI) seized contraband drugs shipped into Kentucky illegally by internet pharmacies. Approximately 60 packages of drugs were confiscated in a noon raid targeting shipments from two Florida based internet pharmacies. KBI agents processed over 9,600 pills consisting of Hydrocodone and Alprazolam, a generic drug for Xanax.

“Narcotics are being illegally shipped into Kentucky by internet pharmacies, and my office is committed to aggressively combating this threat,” Stumbo said. “Anyone with access to a computer and a credit card can order dangerous prescription drugs. As technology changes, our law enforcement methods must adapt to remain effective. I am proud that the KBI’s Drug Investigation Branch is leading the way in innovative drug eradication techniques.”

Drug shipments from Prescriptions Plus, Inc., of West Palm Beach, Florida and AVEE2 of Clearwater, Florida, were seized by KBI agents as part of a systematic crackdown on the illegal diversion of prescription drugs through internet pharmacies. The Attorney General is enforcing the groundbreaking internet pharmacy legislation that went into effect last July as part of Senate Bill 63, which also controlled the sale of methamphetamine ingredients. Since July, the Attorney General has seized more than 35,000 individual doses of drugs illegally shipped into Kentucky by internet pharmacies. The confiscated drugs have a street value in excess of $76,000.

“Today’s seizure is just one example of the improved law enforcement efforts we are spearheading,” Stumbo said. “By studying the business practices of rogue internet pharmacies, we can intercept major shipments before they hit the streets of small towns.” The Office of the Attorney General is not releasing the details of the drug interception plan in order to preserve the integrity of the ongoing operation.