ST. LOUIS – Dr. Sunil G. Chand, 59, a family medicine practitioner in Leadington, Missouri, admitted Friday to a calculated deception: diluting methadone dispensed at his clinic to cover up a drug shortage. The plea brings to light a disturbing breach of trust in a system designed to help those battling addiction.
Chand pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk to one count of adulterating a drug with the intent to defraud or mislead. Court documents reveal that as owner of Best Medical LLC, Chand deliberately added saline and water to bottles of methadone oral concentrate. This wasn’t a mistake; it was a calculated move to conceal a discrepancy from the Drug Enforcement Administration and avoid accountability.
The scheme unfolded in April 2021, shortly after Best Medical opened its methadone clinic to treat patients with narcotic use disorders. Chand had legally obtained a DEA registration to store and dispense Schedule II controlled substances, including methadone. On April 6th, the clinic received twelve 1,000 milliliter bottles. By April 22nd, Chand discovered methadone was missing. Instead of immediately reporting the loss as required by federal law, he delayed and then submitted a falsified DEA Form 106, claiming only 1,075 milliliters were lost. Then, on a Sunday when the clinic was closed, he personally diluted the remaining methadone.
The motivation wasn’t about cost savings; it was about avoiding scrutiny. Chand’s actions directly endangered his patients, potentially compromising their treatment and recovery. As part of the plea agreement, Chand has agreed to surrender his DEA registration, effectively ending his ability to prescribe controlled substances. He’s scheduled for sentencing on May 30th, facing a maximum penalty of three years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
“Dr. Chand abused his authority and public trust by altering controlled substance medications intended for those seeking treatment for substance use disorders,” stated Inez Davis, DEA’s Diversion Program Manager for Missouri, Kansas, and southern Illinois. “With this acknowledgement of wrongdoing, his patients will no longer be subjected to substandard care.” The FDA echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of a safe and effective drug supply. Charles L. Grinstead, Special Agent in Charge of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Kansas City Field Office, vowed to continue pursuing those who put public health at risk.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Sestric is prosecuting the case. This case serves as a stark reminder that even those entrusted with healing can fall prey to deceit, and that federal agencies will aggressively pursue those who exploit vulnerable populations for personal gain.
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Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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