DEA cracks down on 2 CVS pharmacies in Florida

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced last week that it has revoked the DEA registrations at 2 CVS pharmacies in Sanford, Fla., because of evidence of diversion of controlled substances and “imminent danger to the public safety,” according to a DEA press release.

“This action marks the first time the DEA has revoked the registration of a registrant that is part of a large national chain,” according to the DEA statement.

In February, the DEA served a suspension notice to the pharmacies on Orlando Drive and West 1st Street in Sanford, Fla., stating that the drug stores had to immediately stop dispensing controlled substances pending a judicial proceeding. In April, an administrative hearing was conducted to determine if the DEA registrations should be revoked. In June, a judge recommended revoking the registrations from the 2 stores. At the end of August, a DEA administrator issued a final order to revoke the registrations based on the judge’s decision in June.

“The Final Order issuance reflects the continued commitment of the DEA to identify and bring to light the diversion of controlled substance pharmaceutical drugs,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Mark R. Trouville. “The DEA Miami Field Division will stay the course until this diversion is no longer a problem in Florida.”

CVS will review the DEA’s decision and evaluate options to determine how best to serve its customers, according to CVS/pharmacy spokesman Mike DeAngelis as reported in the Orlando Sentinel.