LEGISLATORS WILL HOLD HEARING ON OXYCONTIN DANGERS

In the wake of a rash of robberies at local pharmacies for the pill that's
become the latest hip high, state lawmakers will be holding a public safety
hearing on the perils of the prescription drug OxyContin.

The most recent theft from a Randolph Osco Drug on Sunday pushed to 15 the
number of pharmacy robberies for the time-release pill used for chronic pain.

But when crushed and snorted, OxyContin gives a user a heroin-type high -
as well as a heroin-type addiction.

"First of all we're looking at how we can protect the public," said state
Sen. James Jajuga (D-Methuen), who, with state Rep. Timothy Toomey Jr.,
leads the Legislature's Joint Committee on Public Safety.

"Obviously there's been a rash of robberies, so we're very concerned about
the pharmacists and the customers."

Legislators are also concerned that medicinal users are at risk.

"We're looking at overprescribing," Jajuga added.

"We've got a serious problem here and we're looking at all kinds of things."

The Public Safety Committee has invited members from the law, medical and
business communities to the hearing scheduled for July 18.

Known as "Hillbilly Heroin" for its heavy use in rural areas such as
Kentucky and West Virginia, OxyContin began making its way into
Massachusetts about 1995. The pills range from 10 to 160 milligrams and
have a street value of up to a dollar per milligram.

"It's inundating us," said Lt. Jim Pierce of the Winchester police, who is
on a special task force.

Pierce said law enforcement is looking at the possibility a crime ring is
committing the robberies.

"We're looking at about 85 percent of the total of the robberies being done
by the same group," said Pierce. "They're brandishing firearms, putting
people on the ground and asking specifically for OxyContin. They don't even
want to bother with (money). They know what they're doing. They're in and
out. You're talking 60 to 90 seconds at the max."

One of the many concerns Jajuga has about the robberies is that pharmacies
will begin to believe that the drug is more trouble than it's worth. Shaw's
and Star Market no longer stock the drug. They have a three-day waiting
period for it.

"There's a growing concern out there," Jajuga said.

"Pharmacists have said, 'We're not going to be in this (OxyContin) business
anymore.' And that's a real problem because there are people who this drug
really helps," Jajuga said.