Smuggling of Prescription Drugs

The use of manufactured prescribed medicines has steadily increased worldwide since the early 20th century. In the United States alone, it is reported that seven out of 10 Americans use at least one prescription drug each day, with nearly 4 billion prescriptions filled annually and sales of prescribed medicines reaching more than $3 billion each year. Laws designed to track and regulate controlled prescription drugs reflect efforts to prevent individuals and organizations from bypassing rules governing prescribed drugs and diverting the path for dispensing drugs through the act of smuggling across borders and over the Internet. The abuse of prescription drugs is one of the fastest-growing drug problems in the United States and a significant burden for global law enforcement and public health organizations. Regulating ...