Aussie pensioners struggling to make ends meet are selling their prescription medication to junkies and drug dealers. Some painkillers are fetching up to A$4,000 ($4,300) a box.
Queensland doctors have warned dealers are also targeting seniors, some who survive off a A$766 fortnightly pension, and have been approaching them outside pharmacies, the Courier-Mail reports.
The most sought-after drugs are opioid pills MS Contin and OxyContin, and Fentanyl patches, commonly prescribed for chronic pain and cancer care.
GP Dr Ken Treichel has banned six elderly patients from his surgery in the past year for selling their medication. "I've seen people walk up to them, bring the money out and do the deal, standing in the car park," he said.
Drug and Serious Crime Group Sergeant Adam Frost said people of all ages had been busted, including the elderly.
