The owners of two small markets in San Diego have pleaded guilty to furnishing a dangerous drug without a prescription. The San Diego County District Attorney says a 21-year-old woman who bought penicillin from one of the markets died after taking the drug. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.
Police say a search of one of the stores revealed hundreds of boxes of prescription drugs. Investigators believe the medications were bought in Mexico, for illegal distribution in the U.S.
Deputy District Attorney Tricia Pummill says her office only prosecutes about one such case a year. Still, Pummill thinks it's a hidden problem.
Pummill : We don't think we're seeing all the cases. Luckily, it's not very common. You know, we would hate to see this become a major public health issue in San Diego.
Health officials warn the public about buying prescription drugs from Mexico at local markets. Officials say the drugs may be counterfeit, and could be dangerous.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
