Tag: dea | WLS-AM 890

Tag Archives: dea

Major Drug Distributor to Pay Record Fine

Jan 18, 2017 | WLSAM Staff

By Jennifer Keiper, WLS-AM 890 News

(CHICAGO) One of the nation’s largest distributors of pharmaceutical drugs has agreed to pay a record $150 million in civil penalties for alleged violations of the Controlled Substances Act.

The Justice Department says the nationwide settlement reached with McKesson requires the drug company to suspend sales of controlled substances from distribution centers in Colorado, Ohio, Michigan and Florida for multiple years.

Feds alleged that McKesson didn’t have an effective system to detect and report “suspicious orders” for controlled substances, including Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, distributed to its independent and small chain pharmacy customers.

The DEA Field Division here in Chicago, as well as the U-S Attorney’s Office in Chicago, were involved in the investigation.

In addition to monetary penalties and suspensions, McKesson has agreed to specific, rigorous staffing and organizational improvements, periodic auditing, and will be required to have an independent monitor to assess compliance.

Suspect shot during drug bust in Joliet mall parking lot

Aug 31, 2016 | WLSAM Staff

(JOLIET) Authorities say a suspect has been injured in a shootout with U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency officers in the parking lot of a suburban Chicago mall.

DEA Special Agent in Charge Dennis Wichern tells The Herald-News the shooting happened Tuesday evening during an undercover drug bust operation outside the Louis Joliet Mall in Joliet.

Wichern says when agents moved in to arrest two men, one began firing at them. According to the newspaper, the officers returned fire, striking the suspect in the leg. He was being treated for injuries that are not life-threatening.

Joliet Police Chief Brian Benton says several vehicles were struck by gunfire but no one else was injured.

Wichern says charges are pending against both men.