DEA Archived Press Releases

Press Releases before January 20, 2025
7 Results - Showing 1 to 7
PRESS RELEASE

OptumRx Agrees to Pay $20M to Resolve Allegations that It Filled Opioid Prescriptions in Violation of the Controlled Substances Act

SAN DIEGO – OptumRx Inc., a prescription drug benefit provider, has agreed to pay $20 million to resolve allegations that it improperly filled certain opioid prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. The settlement resolves an investigation initiated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) into whether, between April 2013...
PRESS RELEASE

Palomar Hospital Pays $250,000 for Diverting Fentanyl

SAN DIEGO – Palomar Health, a California public health care district located in San Diego County, has paid $250,000 to resolve allegations of diversion of fentanyl from one of its facilities and failure to keep accurate records for fentanyl. Palomar Health is California’s largest health care district, with campuses in...
PRESS RELEASE

Doctor and Office Manager Indicted in Scheme to Defraud Medicare, Manufacture and Distribute Fentanyl

SAN DIEGO - Dr. David J. Smith, a pain management physician, and his office manager, Julia Ann Oertle, are charged in a federal grand-jury indictment with perpetuating a long-running scheme to commit healthcare fraud and to manufacture and distribute adulterated fentanyl. Smith made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate...
PRESS RELEASE

DEA Recognizes National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day

SAN DIEGO – On Sunday, August 21, the Drug Enforcement Administration will recognize National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day by joining the many voices dedicated to educating the public on the serious dangers of fentanyl poisoning from fake pills and other illicit drugs. DEA supports the efforts of several organizations...
PRESS RELEASE

DEA Holds National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to Turn the Tide Against the U.S. Opioid Epidemic

SAN DIEGO - The Drug Enforcement Administration will host its 21st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide. According to a report published...
PRESS RELEASE

Drug Trafficker who used Teens as Couriers Sentenced to 85 Months

SAN DIEGO – A Tijuana-based drug trafficker who used teens as drug couriers was sentenced in federal court today to seven years in prison and a $50,000 fine for his leadership role in coordinating the movement of large quantities of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine to San Diego from Mexico...
PRESS RELEASE

DEA And FBI Educating The Community With Documentary Film Addressing Heroin/Prescription Drug Abuse

SAN DIEGO - DEA Special Agent in Charge William R. Sherman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric S. Birnbaum invite the community to attend the screening of an impactful documentary film created to educate the community about opiate addiction. Event: Free Movie Screening: “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of...