⏱ 2 min read
Plaza Pharmacy in Orlando and its pharmacist, Paul Ezeobinwa, have agreed to pay $50,000 to settle allegations of violating the Controlled Substances Act. Between December 22, 2021, and March 21, 2024, the pharmacy improperly distributed schedule V drugs and committed multiple recordkeeping violations. The pharmacy failed to identify 104 fraudulent prescriptions with 193 refills, resulting in the dispensing of controlled substances without valid prescriptions. The DEA conducted an on-site investigation on March 21, 2024, and discovered dozens of record-keeping violations.
The investigation led to Plaza Pharmacy surrendering its DEA license on May 2, 2024, and ceasing operations in September 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe emphasized the importance of pharmacies and pharmacists adhering to the Controlled Substances Act to protect citizens.
The settlement is a result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Bloor reached the civil settlement, which resolves the United States’ claims against Plaza Pharmacy and Paul Ezeobinwa.
The DEA will continue to pursue and investigate those who abuse the system and violate the Controlled Substances Act. This settlement highlights the commitment to enforcing the Act and protecting communities from the improper distribution of controlled substances.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Drug Trafficking
- Defendant: Florida
- Location: US
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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