Gastonia pharmacy Prescriptions Plus will pay $204,000 to resolve allegations it violated the recordkeeping requirements of the Controlled Substances Act, Acting U.S. Attorney Lawrence J. Cameron announced Thursday.
The Controlled Substances Act was enacted to combat illegal distribution and abuse of controlled substances, including prescription medications. Pharmacies dispensing controlled substances must register with the Drug Enforcement Administration and comply with various requirements, including to maintain complete records of all controlled substances received, sold, or otherwise disposed of.
The United States alleges that Prescriptions Plus did not adequately monitor its staff pharmacist and failed to keep complete and accurate records regarding the receipt and distribution of controlled substances, including oxycodone and alprazolam. These violations enabled the illegal distribution of oxycodone and alprazolam by its staff pharmacist, according to a release.
Prescriptions Plus says it has taken steps to improve its compliance with the Controlled Substances Act.
“When pharmacies fail to comply with the Controlled Substances Act, they can put opioids and other prescription drugs at risk of abuse on the street, causing great harm to our communities,” says Cameron in a release.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA Charlotte District Office Tactical Diversion Squad with assistance from the Gastonia Police Department, DEA Greensboro Resident Office Diversion Group, DEA Columbia District Office Diversion Group, North Carolina Board of Pharmacy, and IRS Charlotte Criminal Investigation Division.