OHIO PILL SCHEME New Charges In Florida-To-Ohio Pain Pill Scheme
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Heath Harrison
Reported: Feb. 22, 2013 3:18 PM EST
Updated: Feb. 22, 2013 4:43 PM EST
Eyewitness News Photo
Columbus, Franklin County
, Ohio
Dozens of defendants have been added to an indictment alleging they helped obtain thousands of prescription painkillers from Florida for illegal sale in Ohio.
Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien said the organization obtained more than 90,000 oxycodone pills with a street value of $2.8 million.
Authorities also seized 48 firearms during the investigation that alleges the pill pipeline dates to 2010.
Investigators in Ohio and several states have battled so-called prescription tourists for years as they try to stem the flow of drugs from Florida, with its proliferation of pill mills, to other states.
O'Brien said Friday a grand jury has added 38 defendants to the 14 individuals indicted last year.
The prosecutor says two ring leaders sent dozens of people to Florida pain clinics to obtain the pills.
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