Kentucky pharmaceutical distributor suspended after DEA investigation

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Kentucky pharmaceutical distributor was suspended after a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigation.

Glasgow-based Richie Pharmacal was issued the Immediate Suspension Order on Tuesday, meaning it can no longer handle controlled substances "due to imminent danger to public health or safety."

The measure comes after DEA investigators exposed several Controlled Substance Act violations and compliance discrepancies at the distribution facility in recent years.

"Richie Pharmacal's actions in this case contributed to the diversion of medications often linked with abuse, threatened the safety of our community, and endangered American Lives," Jim Scott, special agent in charge of the DEA's Louisville Field Division, said in a news release. "All DEA registrants, especially distributors like Richie Pharmacal, have an obligation to follow all the requirements laid out in the Controlled Substances Act, especially with respect to inventory control, proper record keeping and suspicious customer orders."

Richie Pharmacal has 30 days to request a hearing on the suspension, which will remain in effect "until all administrative proceedings are finalized."

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