Two Central Florida CVS pharmacies have lost their licenses to dispense controlled substances after the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration accused them of ignoring the state's prescription drug abuse epidemic by dispensing excessive amounts of oxycodone, USA TODAY's Donna Leinwand Leger reports.

Here's what she writes:

DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart today revoked permission for two stores in Sanford to dispense controlled substances such as OxyContin, Vicodin and other narcotics, DEA spokeswoman Dawn Dearden said. The DEA suspended the stores' licenses after it found evidence in 2010 and early last year that pharmacists there had dispensed hundreds of thousands of tablets of the popular painkiller, including filling multiple prescriptions for out-of-state customers.

In an administrative hearing in April, CVS vice president Will Abbott said the company took steps, including retraining its pharmacists and cutting 21 doctors who prescribed large amounts of the drug. DEA investigators said the company did not take those steps until after the DEA served warrants that indicated an investigation into the stores.

"We are reviewing the decision, evaluating our options and determining the best way to continue to serve our customers," CVS said in astatement. "Meanwhile, we have responded to the DEA's concerns, including implementing enhancements to our policies and procedures for filling controlled substance prescriptions. ...

"We remain committed to working with the DEA and other regulatory and law enforcement agencies to reduce prescription drug abuse and diversion while ensuring access to appropriate, effective pain medication for our patients who need them."

USA Today