Multi-Agency Sweep Targets Illegal Prescription Drugs

A multiple law enforcement agency operation working out of New Port Richey Monday morning seeks to net about 70 suspects, most of whom are believed to be connected to fraudulent prescription drugs.

"The majority of the ones we are looking for today happen to be in Pasco," said Cecilia Barreda, spokesperson for the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

It is unclear at this time what parts of Pasco the suspects are from, but the opertion is based out of New Port Richey.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Countywide Diversion Task
Force, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, the Hernando County Sheriff's Office and the New Port Richey Police Department are working together in this investigation.

The sweep is being dubbed Operation No Appointment Necessary, Phase Two. The sweep began at 7:15 a.m. Monday and is using the at 6739 Adams St. as the command post.

The roundup stems from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office's “y” investigation, which began in the fall of 2010 as a response to Pinellas citizens’ complaints about suspicious activities and crimes at doctors’ offices and pharmacies.

Since the initial sweep the task force has made more arrests through this operation. 

Speaking about the operation later this morning will be: Capt. Bob Alfonso of the Sheriff Narcotics Division; Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco; a representative from the Hernando County Sheriff; and Lt. Jim Steffens of the New Port Richey Police Department.

Return to Patch for details.