Controlled substances are drugs that are tightly regulated by the government. This is because they have the potential to cause harm to users, either physically or psychologically. The drugs can lead to addiction, overdose and other serious health problems. Distributing these substances without proper medical supervision can result in dangerous and even fatal consequences. Controlled substances are classified into different schedules based on their medical use and potential for abuse.
Schedule I substances include heroin, LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide), cannabis and ecstasy (MDMA). Schedule II substances include cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, fentanyl and Adderall. Schedule III substances include ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone and Tylenol with codeine. Schedule IV substances include Xanax, Valium, Ambien, Tramadol and Clonzepam. Finally, Schedule V substances include cough suppressants with codeine, Lyrica and some anti-diarrheal medications containing Loperamide.
Distributing controlled substances is illegal under federal and state law.
Those who engage in the sale or distribution of these drugs can face severe legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment and forfeiture of assets. These penalties are intended to deter individuals from engaging in the illegal distribution of controlled substances and to protect the public from the harm that can result from their use.
Distributing controlled substances also poses a risk to public safety. The sale and distribution of these drugs can contribute to criminal activity, including theft, violence and organized crime. It can also increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Individuals who are under the influence of these substances may engage in reckless or dangerous behavior.
In addition, the distribution of controlled substances can have significant social costs. They include lost productivity, increased healthcare costs and strain on public resources. The societal impact of addiction and substance abuse can be devastating, leading to the breakdown of families, loss of employment and increased crime rates.
Former Louisiana doctor receives 15-year prison term.
Yesterday, the Middle District of Louisiana branch of the U.S. Attorney's Office announced that 64 year-old Randy J. Lamartiniere was sentenced to 180 months in prison. The 15-year term was handed down following the former Baton Rouge-based doctor’s conviction for distribution of controlled substances by a physician. Lamartiniere must also serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. As well, he has been ordered to forfeit all property and proceeds obtained through his illegal activity.
According to evidence presented at trial, Lamartiniere’s illegal actions took place between approximately March 2015 and January 2016. In exchange for cash, he wrote medically unnecessary prescriptions for large quantities of Adderall, fentanyl, hydrocodone, methadone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone.
“Lamartiniere’s fee typically ranged from $100 to $300 per visit, and he accepted no form of health insurance for ‘doctor visits,’” details the report, “At the end of these ‘visits,’ Lamartiniere routinely issued prescriptions for Adderall and opioids, therefore, distributing and dispensing controlled substances that he knew were not for a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of a legitimate medical practice.”
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