In a costly misstep, San Diego's Best Veterinary Care clinic has been slapped with a $125,000 bill, settling allegations of mishandling controlled substances, announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California. A probe by the DEA pinpointed improper record-keeping and slack inventory control at the Valley Center Veterinary Clinic, spanning 2020 to 2022.
Beyond the hefty financial penalty, the animal care facility has been roped into a Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA, mandating tightened measures to securely manage controlled substances. U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath didn't pull punches, stating, "Veterinarians have a responsibility to keep opioids and other dangerous drugs out of the wrong hands. Failure to do so is not only reckless but is illegal and contributes to the raging opioid epidemic in this country."
Specifics of the investigation showcased lapses including unaccounted-for medications such as the anxiety drugs alprazolam and diazepam, and the painkiller tramadol. DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe underscored the responsibility of veterinarians in her statement, "Veterinarians, like all registrants, must dispense controlled substances in a lawful manner and provide effective controls to prevent the diversion of controlled substances." The statement further reinforced that the DEA is vigilant in ensuring compliance with these standards.
The settlement, though costly, does not equate to an admission of any wrongdoing, with the $125,000 payment resolving the government's allegations only. Charged with the case was Assistant U.S. Attorney Dylan M. Aste, who took no public stance on the matter. The crackdown is part of a broader initiative, with the DEA urging the public to report any suspicious pharmaceutical activities by calling (571) 324-6499, or by visiting their website, a clear message that improper handling of narcotics by medical professionals won't be taken lightly.
