American Cartel: Inside the Battle to Bring Down the Opioid Industry

A plague has been affecting areas of the United States at the beginning of the 21st century. The affliction could strike anyone, wreaking unspeakable havoc on their lives. The irony of the plague is that it is seemingly self-inflicted. Opioids such as oxycontin and hydrocone are used to manage and alleviate the most acute of pain. However, the manufacturers of the drugs either discounted or disregarded the possibility of addiction due to long-term usage. Various areas of the United States (West Virginia, Florida, Kentucky) have been ravaged by the opioid epidemic, as individuals devolve into ravaged zombies. The manufacturers (Purdue, J & J) have been called to task for their role, but DEA agents like Joseph Rannazzisi want to hold distributors (McKesson) accountable. Will this be possible?

America Cartel is a forthright view of the battle waged between various elements of the law and the pharmaceutical industry. Authors Scott Higham and Sari Horwitz portray the seemingly Sisyphean task faced by law enforcement and lawyers in obtaining accountability from mammoth corporations for enabling the opioid crisis. The narrative the authors bring to the forefront is intense and heartbreaking. It is a must-read for 2022 and beyond.