N.Y. R.Ph. charged with leading drug ring

N.Y. pharmacist Howard Topchik has been charged with leading a drug ring that sold prescription Vicodin (acetaminophen/hydrocodone bitartrate, Abbott) without valid prescriptions. In 2005, Terrace Pharmacy, which was owned by Topchik and his wife, sold more than 149,300 doses of the prescription drug. The drugs were purchased with phony Rxs. The ring was uncovered during an investigation into a series of burglaries that had occurred at the Oceanside, N.Y., pharmacy. In addition to Topchik, who was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 28 additional suspects were slapped with lesser charges such as forgery and criminal possession of a forged instrument. Topchik faces a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted.

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