DENVER - The United States Attorney’s Office for the
District of Colorado announced today that a federal court has ordered the state
of Colorado to turn over information from its Prescription Drug Monitoring
Program (PDMP) to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The information will aid in the ongoing
investigations of two Colorado pharmacies that dispense opioids and other
controlled substances.
“We look forward to
getting this important information as soon as possible, so these ongoing
investigations can move forward,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “While much of the public’s focus is
rightfully on the coronavirus pandemic, the opioid crisis remains a scourge on
our communities, and we are committed to fighting it and enforcing the law.”
The DEA had issued subpoenas to the PDMP in its ongoing
investigations of two Colorado pharmacies that dispense opioids and other
controlled substances. Under Colorado
law, pharmacies in Colorado are required to make a daily report to the PDMP of
all controlled substances dispensed. When the DEA was informed by the state that it
would not provide all the data the DEA had sought, the United States Attorney’s
Office filed an action in federal court requiring the state to comply with the
subpoenas. The order from the court
directs the state respondents - the Colorado Board of Pharmacy and Patty
Salazar, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies -
to provide the data no later than May 15.
“The DEA is committed to ensuring the safety of our fellow
Coloradans through investigations and regulatory oversight of those entrusted
with supplying prescription drugs in our community,” said Special Agent in
Charge Deanne Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration. “This court order will enable us to continue
to this important work moving forward.”
This case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin
Traskos and David Moskowitz in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of
Colorado.
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