As much as 74 percent of farmers have been directly impacted by the opioid crisis and a new report shows a huge growth in painkiller supply, even as overdose rates rise.
The inspector general says the DEA approved a 400-percent increase in oxycodone output between 2002 and 2013. The DEA argues drug companies need to be allowed to make enough narcotic painkillers to help patients who need legitimate assistance.
The Justice Department says the DEA is not investigating those who work with the medications before granting them licenses. It also says they’re not obeying the laws designed to keep pills off the street.
