Detroit, MI, United States (AHN) - The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) suspended the license of pharmaceutical company Harvard Drug Group, LLC on Monday alleging it sold 12 million doses of prescription painkillers to distributors that peddled the drugs for non-medical purposes.

The DEA had reasons to believe that Harvard's oxycodone and hydrocodone sold from March 2008 to March 2010 ended up in the hands of drug traffickers or illegal businesses, according to Robert Corso, special agent in charge of the DEA office in Detroit.

Oxycodone and hydrocodone are controlled substances under federal narcotics law.

The suspension of the license was deemed necessary because the firm's actions poses danger to public health and safety, Corso said.

Meanwhile, Harvard spokesman Michael Layne said the company is cooperating with DEA's investigation.

The Harvard Drug Group has been licensed to sell controlled drugs since 1988.