This week’s guest blogger, Patricia Richardson, is the National Corresponding Secretary of the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI). NADDI is a national training organization working to educate professionals involved in the field of pharmaceutical drug diversion. Patricia is also a commissioned Law Enforcement Officer with the MEDWAY Drug Enforcement Agency in Wayne County, Ohio – one of the oldest drug task forces in the state of Ohio. 

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By Patricia Richardson

Building connections and a network is the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigator’s (NADDI) greatest tool. As the popular catchphrase goes, "It's who you know, not what you know." That rings true in daily life, especially as criminal investigator.

Back in 2010, as a newly appointed investigator, I had no hesitation taking on the role in the local drug task force focusing on pharmaceutical drug investigations. Before law enforcement, I worked in a retail pharmacy in rural Ohio and thought I had a leg up on the issue. Little did I know back then, I was working on the forefront of the opiate epidemic, an experience that I would later find useful as the second wave of the opioid epidemic hit across the country.

During my first few months as an investigator, I responded to a variety of offenses involving the diversion of pharmaceutical drugs. This was at a time when law enforcement was still trying to wrap their heads around the emerging problem. There was truly little guidance on how to investigate the movement of legal drugs on the street; every case brought new insight and new questions.

I was also fortunate enough to attend a specialized school tailored explicitly for investigating and prosecuting pharmaceutical drug diversion. It was a weeklong basic drug diversion class offered by NADDI. Immediately, I was not only amazed by the professionalism of the organization, but also by the level of expert training provided by individuals who already work in this specialized area. I quickly learned invaluable investigative skills and techniques and made a host of invaluable contacts that I have used throughout my career and up to this day. Tools which have led to frequent successful prosecutions and helped to dampen this epidemic.

For 33 years, NADDI has provided an elevated level of educational training in a highly specialized field, and a unique network of skilled professionals. NADDI is a membership organization and, as such, provides an exclusive way into a diverse network of other professionals from across the country who are experts in pharmaceutical diversion. In addition, NADDI has created an online community where members have instant access to online webinars, continuing education, case studies and an extensive learning library all geared to broaden the member’s knowledge base and enhance their professional goals in the fight against pharmaceutical drug misuse and abuse.

NADDI has also developed partnerships with agencies, associations and organizations, which have varied expertise in areas related to substance abuse, prevention and education. Each partnership strengthens the fight against the drug epidemic through research, prevention initiatives and legal updates, and brings invaluable resources to the ever-changing dynamics across the United States.

As a 501(c)3 nationwide professional organization with over 9,400 memberships, NADDI’S mission is to work in partnership to provide the effective means to encourage learning, advance knowledge and strengthen prevention practices within our communities. This mission also includes important initiatives such as the Rxdrugdropbox.org, DougieTheDrugDog.org, OverdosePreventionStrategies.org and The National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx). To learn more about NADDI, these and other NADDI Initiatives, please visit the NADDI website at www.naddi.org

Notice: This article reflects the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ). This information should not be construed as legal advice from the author or PDFNJ. Please consult your own attorney before making any legal decisions.