The opioid crisis in the United States has been a growing concern over the past decade. Dr. Dzung Ahn Pham, a physician from Orange County, has pleaded guilty to a crime. He illegally prescribed 120,000 opioid pills to 18 individuals over six years. He received cash and insurance payments in exchange.
Prescriptions were made without following a professional medical practice. This did not serve a legitimate medical purpose. As a result, his patients became addicted to the drugs. This illegal distribution of opioids and other powerful narcotics has caused many deaths and severe health consequences for those affected.
- Great hardcover books for only $5! Shop now!Pham owned Orange County’s Irvine Village Urgent Care and conspired with Jennifer Thaoyen Nguyen, a licensed pharmacist, to illegally distribute the controlled substances. Pham and Nguyen admitted to abusing their positions of trust and now face criminal charges. This case is part of an investigation by an organized crime drug enforcement task force. The Drug Enforcement Agency, Irvine Police Department, and IRS Criminal Investigation were all involved.
The actions of Pham were severe. As a result, they were sentenced to 151 months in federal prison. Additionally, they were fined $35,000 and immediately remanded into federal custody. Nguyen will be sentenced after her guilty plea on October 14.
It is important to note that Pham’s prescriptions were linked to a driver. This driver hit and killed a fire captain. The same prescriptions were found in the possession of the suspected gunman involved in the Thousand Oaks mass shooting.
Watch the video below for more on the overdose deaths the doctor was allegedly linked to.
Illegal opioid distribution has devastating consequences. These tragic events emphasize that. It is crucial to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
The opioid crisis is still a significant concern in the United States. Pham’s case serves as a reminder of the risks associated with opioid drugs.
Medical professionals must follow proper protocols and guidelines when prescribing opioids to avoid contributing to this epidemic. The justice system must act swiftly against those illegally distributing opioids and other drugs. This includes people like Pham and Nguyen. This is necessary to protect public health and safety.
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