Tagged: prescription drug abuse

A local doctor has been arrested for allegedly writing prescriptions in exchange for toilet paper and other goods. 

Dr. Matthew Bennett of Clarence was charged with unlawful distribution of controlled substances after a year-long undercover investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Prescription drug abuse in Western New York has been described as an epidemic.  But a new prescription drug bill approved by state lawmakers would begin to prevent the problem. 

This week  in our Press Pass conversation WBFO & AM-970's Eileen Buckley talked with Buffalo News reporters Susan Schulman and Dan Herbeck.  They were part of an award-winning News series last year called "Prescription for Danger" and reacted to the new bill that Governor Cuomo promises to sign into law.    

There's an increasing problem of misuse of prescription drugs from an increasing oversupply.

Law enforcement officials say they need controls and new Albany legislation may provide those controls.

Police have busted an array of questionable sources of prescription drugs, from a Niagara County doctor to pharmacies.

The drugs then show up in the illegal market, legal pills for illegal purposes.

State Assemblyman Sean Ryan says it's hard to keep track because prescription records only have to be submitted within 45 days.

This Friday the U-S Attorney's Office will host a first-of-its-kind Prescription Drug Summit. It is an effort to educate the public about the growing problem of prescription drug abuse that is now an epidemic in this region.

A Buffalo family is trying to recover from the devastation that occurred in their home this past June related to prescription drug abuse.

"Michael committed suicide on June 4th in our home while my wife and I were less than 20-feet away from him. This event, that morning have changed my life forever," said 59-year-old Avi Israel.