Senior Citizen Drug Dealers

Recently, a news report caught my attention, shedding light on elderly individuals involved in drug-related activities and subsequently facing prosecution as drug dealers. I must admit, I was taken aback, albeit not by their involvement, but rather by the fact that they were being prosecuted. I mean, seriously? Grandma charged with selling her prescribed medication?

It’s no secret that seniors, often living on fixed incomes, have to be resourceful to make ends meet. While some may manage to seek additional employment to supplement their pensions – greeting customers at Walmart or selling movie tickets, for instance – many others battle various illnesses, enduring the daily pain of conditions like arthritis. And now, they have stumbled upon a new avenue to generate much-needed income.

According to AARP, drug dealers often target senior citizens, luring them into the trade through coercion or enticing financial compensation. Once an elderly person becomes involved in selling their prescription medication, escaping the grasp of this illicit enterprise becomes incredibly challenging. The temptation of the money on offer, coupled with the very real fear of retribution from the drug dealer, creates a potent cocktail of entrapment.

Which drugs are they dealing? Primarily oxycodone and other painkillers, along with antibiotics and other medications prescribed for daily use. Shockingly, reports suggest that elderly individuals in the United States account for a staggering 40% of painkiller consumption. Imagine, these pills often fetch as much as $50 each – quite a tempting proposition for anyone, let alone an older person just trying to make ends meet.

Tragically, the repercussions of this trade extend far beyond financial gain. These very drugs fuel overdose deaths, playing a significant role in the ongoing opioid epidemic gripping Western Pennsylvania.

Even at the age of 91, individuals are taking advantage of their monthly medication supplies – often opting for the more affordable 90-day quantities, as encouraged by their insurance providers. And when they find themselves with an excess of these pills within that three-month timeframe, the potential for substantial profits emerges.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that many elderly individuals might not fully grasp the severity of selling their prescriptions, nor the dangers associated with these drugs. In their minds, they are merely rendering assistance to those in need or finding creative ways to cover their essential expenses. The grave consequences of these drugs remain largely unknown to them.

The practice of senior citizens selling prescription drugs is frowned upon by the police and the Drug Enforcement Agency. Despite judges often granting lighter sentences to elderly defendants and juries expressing surprise over their age, law enforcement agencies continue to make arrests. For many elderly individuals, this is their first involvement with the law.

Some states, including Pennsylvania, have taken steps to address the issue by implementing regulations on prescription medications. In November 2016, the legislature passed a law that limits the amount of pills that can be prescribed by urgent care or emergency room doctors to a maximum of seven days. Additionally, these doctors are prohibited from writing prescriptions for drug refills without referring patients suspected of substance abuse for treatment. They are also required to check the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to ensure the patient has not been given opioids by another provider. This law became effective on January 1, 2017.

While this new law is expected to curb the problem, it is unlikely to eradicate it completely. The advantages of selling drugs for elderly individuals often outweigh the potential consequences, making it an enticing prospect.

Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyers at Logue Law Group

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