AP Fla. Calls for End Canadian Drug Orders
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida has ordered a dozen businesses to stop taking orders for Canadian prescription drugs, and officials warn more shops will be targeted.
"There are many more to come," state Health Department Secretary John Agwunobi said. "These stores are practicing as a pharmacy without a license."
The cease-and-desist orders were issued Friday. Violators can face five years in prison.
The orders were the state's first targeting Canadian drug sales since such storefronts began proliferating two years ago. The businesses take orders to be filled by mail in Canada, where prescription drug prices are cheaper than in the United States.
Last year, the Justice Department (news - web sites) sued to close two affiliated companies operating storefronts in 20 states. Other states also have moved to shut down the clearinghouses.
Audrey Meadows, owner of Discount Drugs of Canada, said Florida's cease-and-desist orders are "putting us in the same class as bookies and pimps." She planned to open Monday if only to answer customers' questions.