Nov 15, 2007 6:47 pm US/Central
Pharmacy Raid May Be Part Of Bigger Investigation
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
The raid on an Oak Lawn pharmacy may have been part of a larger crackdown in North Texas.
Federal agents also hit the "Madison Pain Clinic" near White Rock Lake. The clinic, according to an employee, attracted both local and out of state patients.
The man, who would only give the first name of Jonathon, told CBS 11 News that the clinic had previously taken patients where doctors didn't want to write prescriptions and after reviewing records would issue pain killers.
According to the 25-year-old employee, in September the clinic was ordered to see the patients and he says they complied.
Neighboring businesses told CBS 11 several prospective patients showed up Thursday morning for appointments. One was from Michigan, another is said to be from California.
CBS 11 News crews observed at least two patients depart in cars with Louisiana plates on them.
Federal drug enforcement IRS agents, along with Dallas and Rowlett police, hit the two known locations and possibly other pharmacies in North Texas. Pharmacy records were seized for what they call 'Schedule 3' controlled substances, specifically Hydrocodone commonly known as Vicodin.
Melrose Pharmacy, which was raided Wednesday, was reopened for business Thursday. Workers there say they believe they followed state regulations on the matter but admit that still may not satisfy federal regulations.
The Melrose Pharmacy allegedly had only done business with the Madison Pain Clinic for the past two months. The drug store owner says he's had no problems with authorities over the past 30 years of being a pharmacist.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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