This week, the Washington Post revealed a massive effort taking place in Northern Virginia to prevent the sale and illegal use of prescription drugs. What is being called “Operation Cotton Candy” began in 2002 and involves law enforcement at local, state, and federal levels. Some are calling it a waste of time and money but the U.S Attorney’s office points to 170 convictions as proof that they are doing something right.
Illicit prescription use is at an all-time high in every state in the nation. Legal with a prescription but highly dangerous without, drugs like Oxycontin are highly addictive and creating a black market that includes people from all walks of life.
According to the Washington Post report, doctors, nurses, and grandmothers have been caught up in Operation Cotton Candy, including one physician who was accused of prescribing an unheard of 1,200 Oxycodone pills per day to a single patient.
People have a tendency to view prescription drugs as somehow safer than drugs like crack or heroin. They think that because they come from a pharmacy and are commonly recommended by doctors, they can’t be as dangerous as these more well-known street drugs. This, unfortunately, couldn’t be further from the truth.
Prescription drugs are highly addictive. Often, addiction begins when the drugs are prescribed for a legitimate reason, an injury for instance. As tolerance builds, you begin taking more and more; and if your supply is cut off, you may take drastic measures to ensure your need for the drugs is satisfied.
Once caught in possession of illegal drugs, prescription or not, a harsh reality check often results. Drug charges like these can end up with years in prison. Handling an addiction becomes especially difficult in a place like that.
If you are facing drug charges like this, or if you are accused of selling prescription drugs, we may be able to help. If this is your first offense, we may be able to get you a second chance.
Contact us today to discuss the details of your case. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you overcome this difficult point in life.