CVS's huge fine.

[moneysense]

As you probably know, CVS is the nations largest retail drug chain and now they are facing a fine of $77.6M.

It seems that stores in California and Nevada had been

unlawfully selling pseudoephedrine to criminals who made methamphetamine, the U.S. attorney's office in Los Angeles announced today.

In the history of the Controlled Substance Act, this is the largest fine in its history.

There were also sales in 20 states that were illegal. Making one wonder why this was not more closely watched.

CVS' troubles began in mid-2007, when Mexico banned the sale of pseudoephedrine.

Los Angeles County soon saw a spike in sales of cold and cough remedies that contained the ingredient used to make the often addictive methamphetamine street drug.

One would think that when it comes to controlled substances, that even countries that are linked to each other would let the other country know when something is banned there.

CVS unlike other companies allowed multiple sales to single persons which is also not allowed. And even the clerks should have taken note of these happenings.

CVS will pay the fine, but this was something that should have never happened in the first place. Even clerks should be aware of the controlled substance act when they work in any store that sells drugs of any kind.

[beaston]

What gets me is that it's the government that will see this money, and nobody else. If they really wanted to make a difference, then CVS would be forced to pay the government what it cost to investigate & prosecute the case, and the rest should be donated to known & established non-profit drug rehab programs and the like.

I can guarantee that the government isn't out of pocket for that whole $77.6M.