You're probably aware that there's an opiod crisis in the United States, and it's been getting progressively worse. Over two million Americans are now either dependent on or abuse prescription pills and illegal street drugs.
Painkillers like morphine, hydrocodone, and OxyContin, which are usually prescribed for severe or chronic pain, as well as drugs like heroin and fentanyl are some of the most commonly abused substances at the moment.
In 2016, there were more than 63,600 overdose deaths in the U.S. and more than 60% of them involved an opiod. Despite prescription drug monitoring programs, and other initiatives, like the 21st Century Cures Act, to manage the crisis, overdoses have increased by 30% over the last year and the half.
Although drug abuse has always been prevalent in the country, the introduction of OxyContin in 1996 by Purdue Pharma, opened the floodgates that many have been working tirelessly to close.
The company has been accused of knowing about the addictive properties of the drug, and keeping it from the public. The misleading label on the pill bottles were finally removed in 2001, after the FDA ordered them to replace it with a warning. By then, more than 300,000 Americans had already lost their lives as a result of their addictions.
Now, while the nation is trying to work out a solution for this devastating situation, it seems like Purdue Pharma's business is booming. In fact, the company is doing well enough for the company's heir, David Sackler, to close a deal on a $22.5 million dollar mansion in the swanky California neighborhood of Bel-Air.
It's a heck of a lot of money, but it seems like pocket change when compared to the $13 billion that the Sacklers are reportedly worth.
The family has maintained a low profile, and have distanced themselves from the company that made them one of the richest families in the country. Many people don't even know that they're behind the OxyContin brand.
David purchased the house under some mysterious circumstances. The transaction was reportedly completed with just cash, because he wanted to maintain anonymity. However, it was the address in Oklahoma that was attached to the deal that made David traceable.
The pharma heir's new 10,000-square-foot home features a media room, game room, gym, pool, tennis court, and a ton of other luxurious amenities.
Let's have a look inside the lavish property...
Built in 1987, the custom home sits on a four-acre estate that has been described as one of the most private properties in Bel-Air. See it for yourself:
The Pavilion
Living Room
Family Room
Dining Room
Dining Room #2
Kitchen
Bathroom
TV Room
The exterior of the house is also really beautiful...
The Backyard & Pool
Tennis Court
Patio & Bar
Rooftop patio
