Canadian Citizen Sentenced to Four Years for Role in Internet Drug Outlet Operation

January 23, 2013 12:00 amTopics: Diversion

Andrew J. Strempler, a Canadian citizen, was sentenced to four years in prison for charges related to the operation of a Web site illegally marketing and distributing prescription drugs to US residents. Strempler “pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud in connection with his role as owner and president of Mediplan Health Consulting Inc., a Canadian company that also operated under the name RxNorth.com,” indicates a US Department of Justice press release. RxNorth illegally marketed and distributed prescription drug products, including unapproved and counterfeit products, by Internet, mail, and telephone orders. “Counterfeit prescription drugs sold through the internet pose a serious health hazard to consumers in the United States. These drugs can be adulterated, ineffective and unsafe. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to assisting the FDA enforce regulations to protect American consumers from these unsafe drugs,” stated US Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer. In addition to the prison sentence, Strempler was also ordered to pay a forfeiture of $300,000 and a fine of $25,000. A restitution hearing has been scheduled for February 26, 2013. Information about the risks of buying medications online from illegal sellers is available in the Safe Acquisition section of the AWARxE Web site. AWARxE also includes the recommended list of VIPPS^® (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites^CM)-accredited Internet pharmacies.
Source found here

Canadian Operator of Internet Drug Outlet Indicted for Distribution of Fake Drugs to US Consumers

From the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy website:
June 27, 2012 01:15 PM

Andrew J. Strempler, a Canadian citizen, was arrested by United States officials in Florida and faces charges relating to his operation of a Web site selling drug products to US residents including distribution of counterfeit and non-Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs. “According to the indictment, from around January 2005 through June 9, 2006, Strempler and his co-conspirators unlawfully enriched themselves by selling prescription drugs to individuals in the United States, falsely representing that RxNorth was selling safe prescription drugs in compliance with regulations in Canada, the United Kingdom and/or the United States. The indictment further alleges that Strempler obtained the prescription drugs from various other source countries without properly ensuring the safety or authenticity of the drugs. In fact, the indictment alleges that some of the drugs sold by Strempler included counterfeit drugs,” indicates a press release from the US Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida. Strempler faces one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, US Code, Section 1349, and two counts of mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, US Code, Section 1341. The government is also seeking forfeiture of $95 million.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, US attorney for the Southern District of Florida stated, “FDA regulations are designed to promote and ensure the safety and integrity of prescription drugs sold and used in the United States. The US Attorney’s Office is committed to assisting the FDA enforce these regulations to protect American consumers from unsafe, adulterated and counterfeit drugs.” David W. Bourne, special agent in charge, FDA, Office of Criminal Investigation (OCI), Miami Field Office, stressed that the FDA OCI is committed to “aggressively pursuing individuals” who seek to sell counterfeit, adulterated, and misbranded drug products to US consumers via the Internet. Strempler appeared in federal court on June 14, 2012, before US Magistrate Judge John O’Sullivan. If convicted, Strempler faces a possible maximum statutory sentence of up to 20 years in prison on each count.

Additional details about the charges against Strempler are available in the US Attorney’s Office press release. The indictment (PDF) is available for download from the Department of Justice Web site. The press release notes that an indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.