Senior Citizen Drug Dealers

The Unseen Crisis Among the Elderly

Recently, a news report highlighted a surprising issue—elderly individuals getting involved in drug-related activities and facing prosecution as drug dealers. The alarming part isn’t just their involvement, but the fact that many seniors are being charged for selling their prescribed medication. Seriously, Grandma charged with selling her meds?

Seniors, often living on fixed incomes, have to find creative ways to make ends meet. While some find part-time jobs, like greeting customers at Walmart or selling movie tickets, others struggle with chronic illnesses, enduring conditions like arthritis. For these individuals, selling prescription drugs has become a new way to generate much-needed income.

How Are Seniors Getting Involved?

According to AARP, drug dealers often target seniors, coercing them into the trade or offering enticing financial compensation. Once an elderly person starts selling their medication, it’s incredibly hard to escape. The lure of easy money and the fear of retribution create a potent trap.

What Drugs Are Being Sold?

Primarily, seniors are dealing in oxycodone and other painkillers, as well as antibiotics and daily-use medications. Shockingly, elderly Americans consume 40% of all painkillers. These pills can sell for as much as $50 each, making it a tempting proposition for those struggling to make ends meet.

The Wider Impact

The consequences of this trade extend far beyond financial gain. These drugs contribute significantly to overdose deaths and the ongoing opioid epidemic, particularly in places like Western Pennsylvania.

Even individuals as old as 91 are selling their medications. They often purchase 90-day supplies, as encouraged by insurance providers, and when they have an excess, the potential for substantial profit emerges.

Lack of Awareness

Many seniors might not fully grasp the severity of selling their prescriptions or the dangers associated with these drugs. To them, they are merely helping others or finding a way to cover essential expenses. The grave consequences often remain unknown to them.

Law Enforcement’s Stance

The practice of selling prescription drugs is illegal and frowned upon by law enforcement and the DEA. Despite judges often granting lighter sentences to elderly defendants and juries being surprised by their age, arrests continue. For many seniors, this is their first encounter with the law.

Legislative Actions

Some states, including Pennsylvania, have implemented regulations on prescription medications. In November 2016, a law was passed limiting the number of pills that can be prescribed by urgent care or ER doctors to a maximum of seven days. Doctors are also prohibited from writing refills without referring patients suspected of substance abuse for treatment. They must check the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to ensure the patient hasn’t received opioids from another provider. This law became effective on January 1, 2017.

Will the Problem Go Away?

While this law aims to curb the issue, it’s unlikely to eradicate it completely. The benefits of selling drugs often outweigh the risks for many elderly individuals, making it an enticing option.

Greensburg Criminal Lawyers at Logue Law Group

If you or a family member is facing arrest for selling prescription drugs, seek assistance from the expert and experienced Greensburg criminal lawyers at Logue Law Group. Our team of  Greensburg DUI lawyers can help reduce or dismiss your charges. Don’t wait—contact us today at 844.PITT.DUI or visit our website for more information.