FIRST INTERIM REPORT OF THE SEVENTEENTH STATEWIDE GRAND JURY

We, the members of the Seventeenth Statewide Grand Jury have been called upon to examine, among other matters, the safety of prescription drugs in Florida. In particular, we have examined the situation concerning the sale and re-sale of prescription drugs in the wholesale market. We have received testimony from representatives or owners of large and small wholesalers as well as the pharmaceutical manufacturers. We have also heard from agency officials with the Department of Health, the Bureau of Statewide Pharmacy Services and the Agency for Health Care Administration. Testimony was also received from Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agents and Bureau of Statewide Pharmacy Services Investigators. As a result of what we have learned, we make certain findings and recommendations, though we hasten to add that as the title of this report indicates, we are only at the beginning of our inquiry. Because of the potential danger to the public, we have sought to work as quickly and efficiently as possible and pledge to continue to do so through the duration of this Grand Jury.