Kirkland Plastic Surgeon Agrees to Pay $125,000 to Settle DEA Drug Diversion Claims

            A plastic surgeon who practices in Kirkland, Washington has agreed to settle federal civil penalty claims brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on behalf of the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  Based on evidence and information obtained through its investigation, DEA contends that from 2007 through 2011, Dr. Gavin Dry forged at least 265 prescriptions under another physician’s name – and with Dr. Dry’s minor son falsely listed as the patient – so that Dr. Dry could obtain controlled substances (primarily Adderall and other amphetamines) for his own personal use.  DEA also contends that Dr. Dry committed multiple recordkeeping violations.

In 2011, Dr. Dry voluntarily entered into an in-patient chemical dependency treatment program, which he successfully completed.  Since January 2012, Dr. Dry has practiced under the terms of, and in compliance with, a monitoring contract with the Washington Physicians Health Program.  In May 2012, after DEA initiated its investigation, Dr. Dry voluntarily surrendered his DEA registration, which meant that he could no longer prescribe certain medications, including amphetamines. 

            Under the terms of the parties’ settlement, Dr. Dry has agreed to pay the government $125,000 in order to resolve its claims prior to the commencement of litigation.  The settlement is not an admission of legal fault or responsibility by Dr. Dry.

            DEA and the United States Attorney’s Office were assisted in their investigation of this matter by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Bellevue Police Department.