Senior Citizen Drug Dealers

Understanding the Issue of Elderly Drug Trafficking

An unsettling trend has come to light involving senior citizens and their unexpected role in drug-related activities. Recent reports have revealed elderly individuals being prosecuted as drug dealers. While their involvement may be alarming, it is the act of prosecuting a grandmother, who might be selling surplus prescriptions, that raises eyebrows.

Why Are Seniors Turning to Selling Prescription Drugs?

Living on fixed incomes, many elderly individuals struggle to cope with expenses. While some take on additional jobs, such as greeting customers or selling movie tickets, others face physical limitations. Chronic ailments like arthritis make it challenging to work. Unfortunately, this paves the way for another source of income, albeit a risky one. Seeking advice from a Weirton DUI attorney can help seniors understand the consequences before making any irreversible decisions.

How Seniors Are Lured into the Trade

According to AARP, drug dealers specifically target elderly individuals, often manipulating them through coercion or offering lucrative financial incentives. Once involved, seniors find it incredibly difficult to escape. The allure of easy money is compounded by the fear of potential retaliation from dealers, leaving many entrapped in this cycle. A Weirton criminal lawyer can be instrumental in helping elderly individuals caught in such predicaments find a legal way out.

Which Drugs Are Being Sold?

• Oxycodone and Painkillers: These medications are highly sought after and can command prices of up to $50 per pill.
• Antibiotics and Daily Medications: While their resale value may not be as high, these are also part of the illegal trade.

Shocking statistics reveal that elderly Americans consume 40% of all prescribed painkillers, putting them at the center of this crisis. For someone struggling to make ends meet, selling just part of their prescription can become a tempting prospect.

The Consequences of the Trade

Impact on the Opioid Epidemic

The prescription drugs sold by seniors contribute significantly to overdose deaths, exacerbating the opioid crisis in regions like West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania. The ripple effects are devastating, with painkillers and other medications feeding the epidemic. A Weirton DUI attorney may be able to guide clients through alternative sentencing or treatment-based solutions.

Lack of Awareness Among Seniors

Many elderly individuals may not fully understand the gravity of selling prescription drugs. Some believe they’re merely helping others or finding a creative way to manage finances, unaware of the harm these drugs can cause. Legal counseling from a Weirton criminal lawyer can help clarify misconceptions and provide support.

Legal Responses and Challenges

Law enforcement agencies, including the DEA and police, remain vigilant in addressing the issue. Although judges may impose lighter sentences for elderly offenders and juries are often taken aback by their age, the arrests persist. For many seniors, this marks their first encounter with criminal charges.

Efforts to Curb the Issue

States like West Virginia have introduced new regulations to address the problem. A law passed in November 2016 introduced stricter limits on opioid prescriptions, especially from urgent care and emergency room doctors. The highlights of this law, implemented on January 1, 2017, include the following:

• Limiting prescriptions to 7-day supplies in certain settings.
• Prohibiting refills without proper referrals for suspected substance abuse cases.
• Mandating doctors to check the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to ensure patients haven’t already received opioids from another provider.

Why the Problem Persists

Despite regulations, the incentives to sell prescription drugs for elderly individuals often outweigh the risks. The significant financial gain, combined with the relative ease of selling surplus pills, continues to make this an appealing option for some seniors.

Seeking Legal Help in Weirton

If you or a loved one in Weirton is facing accusations of being involved in selling prescription drugs, it’s essential to act swiftly. The Weirton criminal lawyers at Logue Law Group specialize in cases involving prescription drug charges and can help reduce or dismiss your charges.

No matter the complexities of the case, our experienced team is here to provide unparalleled support. Don’t face this alone. Contact us at 844.PITT.DUI or visit our website for more information.