In a major crackdown on mishandling controlled substances, Palm Care Pharmacy in San Diego County has coughed up $350,000 to settle allegations of improper handling of drugs such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and muscle relaxants. According to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California, the local pharmacy was under DEA fire for potentially contributing to the street-level drug problems due to their slack inventory measures.
The investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration spotlighted Palm Care Pharmacy's El Cajon outlet for its alleged failure to correctly track its stockpile of controlled substances between 2018 and 2022. The DEA's probe revealed that Palm Care Pharmacy was seemingly unable to properly manage its inventory, which resulted in missing pills, including highly addictive substances like oxycodone and Xanax, a recipe for potential abuse and illegal distribution.
As part of the settlement, apart from the hefty fine, Palm Care Pharmacy also agreed to a Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA. This agreement will compel the pharmacy to enforce stricter control measures and adhere to regulations to ensure controlled substances are not just handed out wrong or lost in a shuffle but meticulously accounted for.
DEA Diversion Program Manager Rostant Farfan underscored the significance of strict record-keeping in the pharmaceutical business, saying via the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of California, "Accurate record keeping prevents controlled substances from ending up in the wrong hands." He added that the DEA will adamantly continue to hold registrants accountable for operating within the confines of the distribution system that's supposed to be sealed tight against diversions.
The DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office collectively spearheaded the legal push, resulting in the fine and the policy shake-up at Palm Care Pharmacy. Although the pill purveyor has settled, it is worth noting that the claims resolved by the settlement remain allegations with no legal ruling of liability. To tip off the DEA about suspicious prescription practices or questionable pharmacy dispensations, the public can dial (571) 324-6499 or visit the DEA's digital platform to report illicit pharmaceutical activities.
This legal maneuver was brought to the fore by the prosecutorial diligence of Assistant U.S. Attorney Dylan M. Aste, likely sending ripples through pharmacies all over the country to straighten up and keep better tabs on their controlled substances.
