The owner of Martinez Pharmacy in Laredo has agreed to pay $750,000 to settle allegations that the pharmacy violated federal recordkeeping and dispensing requirements, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Antonio Martinez Jr., 67, operates as both owner and pharmacist-in-charge at Martinez Pharmacy. The pharmacy has been registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) since March 19, 2003, allowing it to dispense Schedule II through IV controlled substances.
A DEA inspection in February 2024 revealed that Martinez Pharmacy failed to maintain necessary records and filled approximately 173 prescriptions for controlled substances issued by practitioners without a legitimate medical purpose. These prescriptions were allegedly written outside the usual course of professional practice. Pharmacists are required under DEA regulations to ensure they only dispense lawfully issued controlled substance prescriptions.
“Pharmacists must ensure controlled substances are dispensed safely and only for legitimate medical purposes,” said Ganjei. “These violations represent a serious breach of a pharmacist’s duty to protect the wellbeing and safety of our community. My office takes prescription drug diversion extremely seriously, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure full accountability when the facts warrant it.”
“When DEA Diversion investigators inspected Martinez Pharmacy in Laredo, they uncovered a troubling pattern of record-keeping violations, including more than 170 improperly dispensed prescriptions,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge of the San Antonio Division Miguel Madrigal. “This type of negligent behavior endangers the community, and this significant settlement demonstrates that pharmacies must take their responsibilities seriously or face hefty consequences.”
The Controlled Substances Act is designed to prevent the diversion of controlled substances into illegal markets while making sure these drugs remain available for legitimate uses in medicine, science, research, and industry.
The DEA led the investigation into these allegations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill O. Venezia is overseeing the case.
It was noted that the claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
