Ahmad T. Ismail, Controlled Substances Act Violations, Florida 2024

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – A Bonifay doctor has agreed to pay $130,000 and surrender his Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration after potential violations of the Controlled Substances Act were discovered. Ahmad T. Ismail, 70, of Bonifay, Florida, entered into a civil settlement agreement with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.

A routine inspection of Ismail’s practice in Bonifay, Florida, beginning in December 2018, revealed numerous potential civil violations of the Controlled Substances Act. These included failing to keep complete and accurate records, discrepancies in dosage units, failing to complete a biennial inventory, and failing to maintain accurate dispensing records.

“A physician’s failure to adhere to the safeguards of the Controlled Substances Act can facilitate the diversion of addictive drugs, illegal distribution of those substances, and risk of overdose,” said U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody. “With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to utilize both the civil and criminal provisions of the Controlled Substances Act to protect our communities and hold violators responsible.”

Under the terms of the settlement, Ismail will surrender his DEA registration and will not reapply for at least three years. In addition, he will pay a fine of $130,000.

“As trusted members of the community, medical professionals are required to adhere to the federal laws regarding controlled substances as set forth in the Controlled Substances Act,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “Our communities can rest assured that DEA will pursue civil actions against any DEA Registrant who violates these federal laws as well as the trust of the American public.”

This civil settlement agreement is not an admission of any liability by Dr. Ismail, nor a concession by the United States that its potential claims were not well-founded. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.

Dr. Ismail’s case serves as a reminder that medical professionals are required to adhere to the federal laws regarding controlled substances as set forth in the Controlled Substances Act. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida will continue to work with law enforcement partners to protect our communities and hold violators responsible.

Defendant: Ahmad T. Ismail
Criminal Charges: Controlled Substances Act Violations
City and State: Bonifay, Florida
Exact Date: December 2018
Sentence or Outcome: $130,000 fine, DEA registration surrendered
Dollar Amount: $130,000

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