Opioid Strike Force Charges 60 Individuals Across Appalachia

An Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Strike Force has charged 60 individuals including 53 medical professionals with charges related to their contribution to the opioid epidemic.

Of the 60 charged defendants across 11 federal districts, 31 are doctors, 7 pharmacists, 8 nurse practitioners, and 7 other licensed medical professionals.

According the the CDC, approximately 115 Americans die every day of an opioid-related overdose. Targeting the distributors of opiates was a primary focus of the task force.

Attorney General William Barr and U.S. Attorney ThomaS Cullen announced Wednesday that the ARPO Strike Force will now expand into the Western District of Virginia.