A South Florida pharmacist was convicted of distributing drugs to patients who had no need for them, according to Department of Justice (DOJ) officials.
Olushola Yusuf, pharmacist and owner of two pharmacies in South Florida, distributed more than 335,000 oxycodone 30mg pills, according to the DOJ. Thirty milligrams is the highest potency available and usually prescribed to patients with chronic cancer pain or traumatic injuries, officials said.
The DOJ said Yusuf charged her customers around 10 times the usual cost of the drug and made them pay in cash.
Yusuf owned and operated the pharmacies, Boots LLC d/b/a Striderite in Margate and Chans Pharmacy Plus, Inc. in Pembroke Pines.
Department of Justice
The DOJ said some of the customers paid up to $1,000 a month in cash, while others were drug dealers picking up on behalf of customers who were not present.
According to the DOJ, witnesses at the trial said Yusuf kept the doors locked during business hours and instructed employees to let in only specific customers.
Yusuf continued distributing the drug even after warnings from her employees and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), officials said.
The DOJ said Yusuf was convicted of conspiracy to illegally distribute drugs and five counts of illegal drug distribution by the jury.
Yusuf faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for each count, with her sentencing hearing set for Oct. 14, officials said.