Pharmacist Arrested in Chatsworth for Illegal Storage of Opiates
A 65-year-old Chatsworth pharmacist called the authorities to report a stolen handgun only to end up being under investigation for improperly giving away drugs. According to a Moorpark Acorn report, the authorities responded to the report of a stolen handgun on Ventura Way in Chatsworth. During their visit, officials were concerned about the amount of Schedule II and III opiates stored there.
The pharmacist had been storing prescription medication for a friend whose pharmacy was shut down years ago. He turned himself in for violating California Health and Safety Code for storing the medication in an unapproved manner and he may face additional charges pending the investigation. It is unclear if he will lose his job as a pharmacist.
There are many strict laws and regulations regarding when and how controlled substances are stored and distributed. If you are a medical professional in California, such as a pharmacist, nurse, or doctor, the concerned regulatory board can pursue disciplinary charges based on a criminal conviction. There have been cases, however, where professionals have lost their licenses even after they have successfully fought the charges or had their arrest expunged from their record.
