Raid Nets $500,000 in Drugs at Suspected Unlicensed Clinic

A Los Angeles County task force found an estimated $500,000 worth of antibiotics and other medications Thursday during a raid at the Lynwood home of a woman suspected of operating an unlicensed medical clinic.

The woman, whose name was not released, was cited with a misdemeanor charge of selling prescription medicine without a license. She could be charged with a felony if authorities find restricted drugs, such as Valium or codeine.

The raid was the first at a private home since the county task force began investigating illegal clinics in May, said Don Ashton, a task force member and employee of the county Department of Health Services. Typically, he said, raids have been conducted at retail stores and swap meets.

The Health Authority Law Enforcement Task Force--made up of police, prosecutors and health officials--received a tip about the home last week and sent an undercover officer to buy prescription drugs.

Authorities obtained a search warrant and entered the home Thursday afternoon. They found three garbage bags full of antibiotics, penicillin and “a lot of injectables,” all of it manufactured in Mexico, Ashton said.

The value of the drugs was estimated by a pharmacist on the task force. Authorities also retrieved $10,000 in cash, as well as records of patient visits.

“Neighbors said people were going in and out of there all the time,” Ashton said.

The woman claimed to be a registered nurse in Mexico, he said. She was ordered to appear in court April 22.

The task force has conducted 159 raids and 60 arrests, Ashton said. They are part of an effort spearheaded by county Supervisor Gloria Molina to crack down on the illegal sale of prescription drugs, which pose a significant public danger, said Miguel Santana, an assistant chief deputy to Molina.