Federal agencies are investigating store for possible Internet drug-selling scamAgents from several federal agencies seized computers and records from Astoria Pharmacy this morning in connection with an investigation linking the local business to a nationwide Internet-based drug-selling scam.

The business at 2223 Marine Drive has been the subject of a year-long investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Food and Drug Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, according to Clatsop County Sheriff Tom Bergin. Personnel from the Sheriff’s Department and Astoria Police Department assisted with the case this morning.

Bergin said Astoria Pharmacy is one of four pharmacies linked to Xpress Pharmacy Direct, an Internet-based prescription drug seller. The business is accused of distributing prescription drugs, including controlled substances, without prescriptions, as well as defrauding customers by billing them multiple times and not delivering any products, according to the search warrant affidavit.

Pharmacies in Illinois, Minnesota and North Carolina are also linked to the company, which solicits sales to customers through a call center.

Bergin referred other questions to Chuck Staley from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Portland, who said he could not comment on the case.