Prescription drug abuse

In a related International Narcotics Control Board press release on prescription drug abuse:

The demand for these drugs is so high, that it has given rise to a new problem – that of counterfeit products. Strong demand on the illicit markets of Scandinavia for flunitrazepam (Rohypnol®), a sedative, is increasingly met by illicitly manufactured counterfeit preparations. The demand of the illicit market in North America for OxyContin® has lead to distribution of counterfeit products containing illicitly manufactured fentanyl.

An equally serious consequence is that abuse of prescription drugs can have lethal effects. An increasing number of deaths related to abuse of narcotic drugs, including fentanyl and oxycodone have been recorded in North America and Europe.

Click here to read this press release (fyi, they have 2006 on the 1st page...should read March 1, 2007).