The True Story of Cops, Counterfeiters, and the Contamination of America's Drug Supply

Every day, millions of Americans rely on prescription drugs to stay healthy and manage their illnesses. But what happens when those drugs are counterfeit?

In recent years, the problem of counterfeit drugs has become increasingly widespread in the United States. These drugs are often manufactured in foreign countries with little or no regulation, and they can contain dangerous ingredients that can cause serious harm or even death.

The problem of counterfeit drugs is not just a matter of public health. It is also a matter of national security. Counterfeit drugs can be used to finance terrorist activities, and they can also be used to wage chemical warfare.

Dangerous Doses: A True Story of Cops, Counterfeiters, and the Contamination of America's Drug Supply

by Katherine Eban

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3234 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	448 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In the book "True Story of Cops, Counterfeiters, and the Contamination of America's Drug Supply," investigative journalist Howard Blum tells the gripping story of how a counterfeit drug ring infiltrated the heart of America's pharmaceutical industry, leading to a deadly contamination of the nation's drug supply.

The Counterfeiters

The counterfeit drug ring was led by a man named Patrick Quillan. Quillan was a former police officer who had been fired from the force for corruption. He was a master counterfeiter who had developed a way to make counterfeit drugs that were virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.

Quillan's counterfeit drugs were sold to pharmacies and hospitals all over the United States. They were often sold at a fraction of the cost of the real drugs, which made them very attractive to criminals and drug dealers.

The Contamination

In 2007, a shipment of counterfeit drugs from China was discovered at a warehouse in California. The drugs were contaminated with a deadly chemical called heparin. Heparin is a blood thinner that is used to prevent blood clots. The contaminated heparin caused a number of serious injuries and deaths.

The contamination of the heparin supply was a wake-up call for the FDA and other law enforcement agencies. They realized that the problem of counterfeit drugs was much more widespread than they had thought.

The Investigation

After the heparin contamination, the FDA launched a massive investigation into the counterfeit drug trade. The investigation led to the arrest of Quillan and a number of his associates.

Quillan was convicted of racketeering, money laundering, and conspiracy to distribute counterfeit drugs. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The Aftermath

The contamination of the heparin supply had a profound impact on the pharmaceutical industry. The FDA tightened its regulations on the importation of drugs from foreign countries. The industry also began to develop new technologies to make it more difficult to counterfeit drugs.

The problem of counterfeit drugs is still a serious one, but the FDA and other law enforcement agencies are working hard to combat it. The book "True Story of Cops, Counterfeiters, and the Contamination of America's Drug Supply" is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand this important issue.

The story of the counterfeit drug ring is a reminder that the pharmaceutical industry is not immune to crime. It is also a reminder that the FDA and other law enforcement agencies are committed to protecting the public from counterfeit drugs.

If you are concerned about the safety of your prescription drugs, there are a few things you can do. First, only buy drugs from licensed pharmacies. Second, ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is a generic version of the drug you are taking. Generic drugs are often just as effective as brand-name drugs, but they cost less. Finally, be aware of the signs of counterfeit drugs. Counterfeit drugs may be packaged differently from the real thing, or they may have different markings. If you are ever in doubt about the authenticity of a drug, do not take it.

Dangerous Doses: A True Story of Cops, Counterfeiters, and the Contamination of America's Drug Supply

by Katherine Eban

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3234 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	448 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE