COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Drug Enforcement Administration is ramping up efforts to prevent prescription drugs from falling into the wrong hands, with a focus on curbing misuse that can begin within the health care system.

According to Martin Redd, diversion program manager for the Detroit Field Division, a significant source of illegally diverted prescription drugs stems from within medical facilities.

“So what we usually see predominantly, we will see health care workers that are diverting controlled drugs out of a pharmacy, out of a hospital, and using it for self-medication or greed. It's one of those two things predominantly,” Redd said.

The DEA said that while many people think of drug crimes as back-alley deals or internet sales, the reality is often more complex. Prescription drugs

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