Joe’s Pharmacy, CSA Violations, New Mexico 2024

A Peralta, New Mexico, pharmacy has agreed to pay $50,000 in civil penalties after a series of inspections revealed serious violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

Joe’s Pharmacy, located in Peralta, New Mexico, failed to account for 24,422 doses of controlled substances, a majority of which were opioid analgesics, following two DEA on-sight inspections. The inspections were conducted on Aug. 7, 2018, and March 5, 2019. In addition to the missing doses, the pharmacy was found to have 112 additional record-keeping violations and four dispensing violations.

The inspections also revealed that during the return process following the March 5, 2019, inspection, Joe’s Pharmacy failed to account for 1,231 doses of controlled substances and 15 doses of listed chemicals.

"Pharmacies are on the front lines of preventing the abuse of opioids and other controlled substances in our communities," said U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez. "Pharmacies are responsible for ensuring that controlled substances are only dispensed through a valid prescription for legitimate medical purposes. The failure of a pharmacy to account for opioids and other controlled substances exposes New Mexicans to the risk that these substances will be diverted and abused."

Joe’s Pharmacy’s failure to properly account for controlled substances and maintain accurate records poses a significant risk to the community, according to authorities. The pharmacy’s actions are a clear example of the need for strict adherence to the CSA.

Assistant United States Attorney Sean Cunniff and Auditor Julie Chappell represented the United States in this matter.

Joe’s Pharmacy has agreed to pay $50,000 in civil penalties as part of the settlement. This amount represents a significant financial penalty for the pharmacy, highlighting the importance of compliance with the CSA.

The DEA will continue to utilize its regulatory oversight to ensure that pharmacies and other entities comply with the rules set forth in the Controlled Substance Act, said Greg Millard, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s El Paso Division. "Pharmacies, and all registrants, must do their part to ensure that prescription medications are not misused and abused," he added.

Joe’s Pharmacy, Peralta, New Mexico, is the defendant/respondent in this matter. The pharmacy failed to account for controlled substances and maintain accurate records, resulting in civil penalties.

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