$10,000 CIVIL PENALTY SETTLEMENT REACHED WITH FORMER WORCESTER PHARMACIST FOR IMPROPER HANDLING OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
BOSTON, Mass. - United States Attorney Carmen Ortiz and Steven W. Darr, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration - Boston Field Division, announced today that the United States has reached a settlement with DAVID D. HAIG, Jr., and the new-defunct HAIG & HAIG DRUG, INC., a former Worcester area pharmacy, in connection with civil drug diversion allegations. Based upon facts developed in the course of the investigation, the United States contended that Haig dispensed hydrocodone, a Schedule III controlled substance, to himself and at least one customer without a proper prescription, and failed to maintain proper records and inventories with respect to controlled substances in his possession, in violation of the Controlled Substances Act.
Haig has agreed to pay $10,000 in settlement of the United States’ claims, without admitting wrongdoing or liability, and has also agreed never to seek reinstatement of his DEA certification to handle and dispense controlled substances. Haig & Haig Drug is no longer in business.
“Controlled substances are subject to stringent record keeping and handling requirements in order to prevent abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Ortiz, “It is critically important that the public has confidence that powerful prescription drugs are handled and dispensed in accordance with federal licensing requirements. We will continue to seek appropriate penalties when those requirements are not met.”
The investigation leading to the settlement was conducted by Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Investigation Unit. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha, of Ortiz’ Civil Division.
