[Stunning admission] Big Pharma GUILTY of CRIMINAL opioid sales
We’ve gotten distracted this year.
Like many other public health concerns, in 2020 the opioid crisis has taken a backseat to the coronavirus pandemic.
At least, in the headlines.
But in the courts, it’s a different matter.
Because more than 450,000 Americans have DIED from opioid-related causes… including overdoses…
And it’s time to PAY UP.
Well, now one drugmaker has FESSED UP.
It’s pleaded guilty to criminal charges for misconduct – a.k.a. the way it PUSHED these dangerous painkillers on patients and got them HOOKED!
But that pharmaceutical company is STILL engaged in double talk… as its owners CLAIM that they acted ethically and lawfully.
They may be talking out of both sides of their mouths regarding their own wrongdoing… but the law doesn’t leave the issue up for debate in terms of criminal liability.
Here’s what happens next.
A sick conspiracy
Purdue Pharma, the drugmaker behind the opioid OxyContin, is owned by members of the Sackler family… who, in a federal settlement with the Department of Justice, have agreed to pay $225 million in civil fines.
That amount must seem like just a drop in the bucket, compared to the estimated $13 BILLION that the Sackler family received off drug sales via Purdue.
But these civil charges are just a FRACTION of the current litigation against Purdue in federal and state courts… including criminal charges that have yet to be settled.
Purdue’s chairman of the board has stated that the company “deeply regrets” what it’s been accused of – that is, MISLEADING pain patients and their docs through their drug marketing and, in fact, DRIVING the opioid drug crisis further!
I’m talking about DOWNPLAYING the drug’s risks… and making other FALSE claims, too.
It gets worse…
Because Purdue also ADMITS guilt to ENCOURAGING improper sales of OxyContin by…
- CONVINCING docs to write unnecessary prescriptions
- PAYING illegal kickbacks to docs, and
- DEFRAUDING federal agencies, including the DEA.
Although all the details haven’t been divulged to the public, it looks like Purdue’s guilty plea may have been part of an effort to RUSH a settlement…
And STRIKE a deal to make all these legal matters go away as quickly as possible.
In light of the litigation, the company has filed for bankruptcy protection… which means that penalties and criminal forfeiture of profits may NOT be paid in full.
Some legal advisors have BALKED at the idea of “going easy” on Purdue and the Sackler family, who could’ve ended up in jail as a result of their actions.
Anybody else who admitted guilt to MULTIPLE felonies would’ve gotten at least some prison time.
But the Sackler family has SHIFTED blame away from themselves… and off to Purdue executives and advisors.
The biggest takeaway here is that… despite some restructuring… Purdue will be allowed to CONTINUE to function as a drug company.
And not just any drug company – but one that’s STILL involved in opioids!
So, where is the punishment? Where is the justice?
It makes me sick… and it should make you sick, too.
So, the next time your doc tells you not to worry about a drug he’s prescribing you… think twice about who might be FEEDING him that information…
And whether your best interests are being SACRIFICED in order for some drug company to hit the JACKPOT.
To making drug pushers pay,
Melissa Young
P.S. Some docs are SWITCHING their patients from opioids to ANOTHER class of dangerous drugs. Click to find out what they are… and why they might not be right for you.
