Several pharmacy workers in and around Savannah have been arrested and convicted for drug-related offenses in recent months. Many of them were arrested as part of law enforcement’s efforts to round up those believed to be contributing to Georgia’s ongoing problem with opioids.
In one case, a 19-year-old medical assistant from Hinesville, who had worked at a Bryan County pain clinic, was arrested. Police allege that she stole prescriptions from her employer for both Oxycodone and Percocet, both of which are opioids.
Another case that made the news in recent months was that of a 42-year-old Walgreen’s pharmacy technician who worked in Bryan County. She was arrested for allegedly stealing two different opioids, Hydrocodone and Oxycodone.
These thefts apparently took place while she was working at both a Savannah and a Richmond Hill store locations. She was later convicted of the crime at trial and has since been sentenced to three months in federal prison.
The U.S. District Court’s Opioid Enforcement Coordinator for the Southern District of Georgia notes that he has found that many of the individuals who work in the roles take their responsibility to safeguard these harmful drugs seriously.
He notes that there are some that abuse their role as a gatekeeper to these drugs and that’s how they end up in the wrong hands. He points out that there are three areas with a glaring opioid problem in the state. There are Richmond and Chatham counties and then most of the Atlanta metro area.
One of the reasons that police are so intent on tracking down and prosecuting anyone suspected of distributing opioids is because they’re highly addictive. Their misuse results in overdose deaths.
Prosecutors often pursue felony charges against those associated with possession of or distribution of opioids, something that can greatly impact future prospects of military service, education and income. It can also deprive you of your freedom. A drug charges attorney can provide the aggressive defense you need to protect your rights in your own case.