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Dracut Pharmacy Settles Improper Dispensing and Recordkeeping Allegations
BOSTON – A Dracut pharmacy and its owner have agreed to a $42,500 settlement after being accused of improperly dispensing controlled substances and failing to keep proper records.
Alexander’s Pharmacy, located in Dracut, Massachusetts, and its owner and operator George Kontos, allegedly filled prescriptions with larger dosage pills than prescribed without physician authorization, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The pharmacy also failed to account for hundreds of pills in its inventory, including medications at high risk of diversion, such as oxycodone and alprazolam.
“Ensuring the proper dispensing and handling of prescription drugs is a critical part of our ongoing efforts to protect patient safety and prevent drug diversion,” said United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz. “We will continue to monitor and investigate those handling controlled substances, whether they are large pharmacy chains or small, independently owned pharmacies, to ensure they adhere to the DEA’s regulations.”
“DEA registrants are responsible for dispensing and handling controlled substances and ensuring that complete and accurate records are properly kept in compliance with the Controlled Substance Act,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Our obligation is to improve public safety and public health, and we are committed to working with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure that these rules and regulations are followed.”
Kontos and Alexander’s Pharmacy cooperated with the DEA’s investigation and implemented new recordkeeping and security measures. The pharmacy also agreed to permit the DEA to perform inspections of the pharmacy during the next three-and-a-half years without a warrant.
The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian LaMacchia of Ortiz’s Civil Division. This is not the first time Alexander’s Pharmacy has faced allegations of wrongdoing. In 2018, the pharmacy was fined $10,000 for violating regulations related to the dispensing of controlled substances.
The settlement marks the latest development in the ongoing effort to combat prescription drug abuse and diversion in Massachusetts. As part of the agreement, Kontos and Alexander’s Pharmacy will pay $42,500 to settle the allegations.
“We take these allegations very seriously and are committed to ensuring that pharmacies in Massachusetts are operating in compliance with state and federal regulations,” said Ortiz.
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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