A doctor who formerly practiced in Tampa and Haines City has pled guilty in federal court in Tampa to illegal distribution of prescription painkillers such as hydrocodone. This isn't a case of one or two illegal prescriptions. Dr. Juan Antonio Ibanez has been charged by prosecutors with distribution of over 50-million hydrocodone pills to customers across the United States, some who placed orders on various Internet sites. According to prosecutors, Dr. Ibanez made over $85 million in the illegal enterprise.
Ibanez faces up to 20 years in prison. The case also demonstrates the demand for painkillers. Such drugs as oxycontin, hydrocodone, xanax, valium, and methamphetamines, are popular and have lead to a new criminal subculture. In trying to curb the distribution of illegal drugs, law enforcement officials continue to crack down on illegal activity.
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