Counterfeit drug manufacturer sentenced to 10 years

David Beckford, 28, of Oakland, Califoria (USA) has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to manufacture counterfeit Xanax pills.

In his guilty plea, Beckford admitted to engaging in a scheme to import controlled substances from China and other foreign sources. He obtained manufacturing equipment, including a press to make fake the pills and sold fake them at locations in the Northern District of California.

Beckford was found to be responsible for a total of more than 160,000 counterfeit Xanax pills.

He acknowledged that the pills he manufactured were designed to appear as close as possible to brand-name Xanax pills. He further admitted wiring money to China and other foreign countries to pay for the materials that he used to operate his illegal Xanax manufacturing business.

“The FDA’s regulation of the production and distribution of prescription drugs is designed to ensure that they are safe and effective,” said Lisa Malinowski, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles Field Office.

Prescription drug misuse is a national epidemic affecting all segments of society.

“Criminals who manufacture and sell drugs outside of FDA’s oversight put the health of consumers at risk. Our office will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who endanger the public’s health by distributing counterfeit, unapproved, and adulterated prescription medications.”

According to Michael Batdorf, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-Criminal Investigation, the defendant found international suppliers through the internet and solicited others to handle the wire transfer payments of funds to the overseas suppliers.

“Prescription drug misuse is a national epidemic affecting all segments of society,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge, John Martin. “Sadly, individuals like David Beckford, who produce counterfeit pills for personal gain, feed this problem.”

“The DEA continues dialogue with foreign counterparts to address the availability of pharmaceuticals and manufacturing equipment.”