CRACK DOWN ON BACKROOM PHARMACIES

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Federal authorities, cracking down on so-called
backroom pharmacies which prey on poor immigrants, closed illegal
operations across Southern California and arrested nine people charged
with unlawful distribution of drugs.

In all, 17 people were indicted Tuesday, accused of violating the
federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

All the charges involve drugs allegedly smuggled from Mexico. Backroom
pharmacies thrive in Latin American immigrant communities where many
residents can't afford professional care, lack health insurance or
fear deportation if they go to hospitals.

``Those who prey upon immigrants by selling dangerous drugs disguised
as medicine deserve to be prosecuted and punished,'' said U.S.
Attorney Alejandro Mayorkas. ``Immigrants should be aware that these
clinics offer a dangerous brew that may harm your health and the
health of your family.''

Four of those indicted allegedly smuggled drugs for and operated a
Tustin, Calif., gift shop where a toddler was given two injections
before her death last year.

``Some of these drugs are not just dangerous, they're deadly drugs and
they are literally being dispensed to children, to elderly patients
and to people with compromised immune systems for ailments as simple
as the common cold and the flu,'' said assistant U.S. attorney Joseph
Johns, the lead prosecutor.