Prescription Drug Abuse Causing More Problems For Law Enforcement

By: Rachel Kent | News Channel 7
Published: January 25, 2012

UNION, SC --

Pharmacist Casey Chapman says prescription drug abuse has always been a problem. But lately he says it’s getting out of control.

"It's been bad," Chapman said. "Especially in the last two to three years."

Union County Sheriff David Taylor has also noticed the spike.

"We are just seeing more people abuse that in our society," Taylor said. "And it's not just started. It's become epidemic proportions."

Sheriff Taylor says the big issue is that the rise in prescription drug abuse has lead to an increase in overall crime in Union County. Particularly an increase in copper and scrap metal thefts.

"They're stealing everything that's not tied down," he said. "And they'll steal it if its tied down and not tied down good."

Taylor says what would really help combat this issue is tougher legislation.

"Until we put some teeth in our court system and we do more to put people into the department of corrections it will continue to be a problem," he said.

Taylor says there are specific issues legislation needs to address.

"Until we put some requirements on unemployment benefits and food stamp benefits that if they are caught selling drugs or they can't pass a drug test, then we will continue to see a problem."

But for now he has to work within the confines of the law. And Taylor says pharmacists such as Chapman are helping to make a difference.

"We verify identification of patients," said Chapman. "We also check prescription profiles and making sure they aren't taking more than the quantity prescribed."

Fighting back against drug abuse will always be an uphill battle, Taylor said. "As long as there's a demand, there will always be a supply."