By Daily Review Online
A US-based Nigerian pharmacist, Olushola Yusuf, has been found guilty by a federal jury of illegally distributing more than 335,000 high-dose oxycodone pills through two South Florida pharmacies in what U.S. authorities described as a major opioid diversion scheme.
Yusuf, 60, who resides in Tampa, Florida, was convicted on one count of conspiracy to illegally distribute controlled substances and five counts of illegal drug distribution following a federal trial.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Yusuf owned and operated Boots LLC, doing business as Striderite Pharmacy in Margate, as well as Chans Pharmacy Plus in Pembroke Pines. Prosecutors told the court that the pharmacies dispensed at least 335,351 tablets of 30-milligram oxycodone—the highest available strength of the prescription opioid—to individuals who had no legitimate medical need for the drug.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that customers were charged cash prices as much as ten times the normal cost of the medication, with some paying up to $1,000 monthly. Investigators said many customers travelled from different parts of Florida after being unable to fill similar prescriptions elsewhere, while some were drug dealers collecting prescriptions on behalf of dozens of absent patients.
Federal prosecutors also alleged that Yusuf ignored repeated warnings from employees and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) about suspicious activities at the pharmacies. Court evidence further showed that the pharmacies kept their doors locked during business hours, allowing entry only to selected customers.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald said Yusuf had abused the public trust by using licensed pharmacies to unlawfully distribute dangerous opioids, adding that the conviction demonstrates that healthcare professionals who violate the law will be held accountable.
The FBI and DEA described the conviction as part of ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic in the United States, accusing Yusuf of placing profit above patient safety and contributing to the unlawful distribution of highly addictive narcotics.
Yusuf’s co-defendant, Saman Gimenez, had earlier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to illegally distribute drugs and is expected to be sentenced in October.
Yusuf faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each count of conviction. Sentencing has been scheduled for October 14.