“Today’s announcement that hundreds of thousands of prescription drugs are no longer being dispensed illegally and that so many have been arrested is great news for Floridians. This could have only been accomplished through a collaborative effort, and the Drug Enforcement Strike Force is clearly committed to eradicating Florida’s pill mill crisis. I am grateful to Governor Scott for establishing this strike force.

“The fact that prescription drug-related deaths have increased since 2009 is crushing, and with our continued efforts I am confident that these reports will reflect positive changes in the future,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Attorney General Pam Bondi made combating prescription drug abuse a focus of her administration. Among many efforts, highlights of the fight against prescription drug abuse include:

· Successfully championing legislation to combat Florida’s pill mills, which includes stricter administrative and criminal penalties;

· Prosecuting prescription drug-related cases when the illegal activity spans multiple jurisdictions through the Office of Statewide Prosecution;

· Raising awareness about the effects of prescription drug abuse on newborns; and

· Coordinating with governmental partners at all levels to fight prescription drug abuse.