Washington, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) met with Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Administrator Karen Tandy today in Washington to address the seriousness of the “pill mill” issue on both the state and national level. Brady requested today’s meeting to ensure that the DEA collaborates fully with local and state authorities in Southeast Texas in investigating possible illicit activity.

             “Pill mills are popping up nationwide.  Prescription overdose deaths are greater than those caused by heroine and cocaine combined,” said Brady.

            “I was encouraged by the Administrator’s knowledge of the pill mill epidemic in Southeast Texas and confident of DEA’s commitment to work with our local law enforcement to help us close them down.  They have a number of investigations underway and planned.  I am going to work with Congress to get more federal resources to Texas.”

            Previously Congressman Brady spearheaded a roundtable meeting in Orange with Orange County Sheriff Mike White, the DEA, U.S. Attorney’s office, Texas Medical Board, Texas State Board of Pharmacy and the Texas Department of Public Safety. The group will continue to work together to coordinate efforts to eliminate the blight and danger these pill mills pose to our communities. Two days after that meeting, the DEA participated with other authorities in conducting seven federal warrants against pain management clinics and pharmacies being in the Beaumont, Orange and Port Arthur areas.