April 6, 2001
A Norman, Okla., pharmacy has been shut down following a raid by federal and state agents. Mainstreet Pharmacy allegedly was selling large quantities of controlled substances through an Internet site, nationpharmacy.com.
During a single week, the pharmacy filled 1,651 prescriptions and distributed more than 150,000 pills, authorities said. A warrant and affidavit filed in federal court were sealed but reports quoted investigators as saying that on some days the pharmacy filled as many as 800 prescriptions and refills through the Internet.
The pharmacy's Web site says that shipments are not being made because of the raid by the pharmacy board and adds: "We are attempting to fight this intrusion on your rights."
The home-page appeal goes on to ask the site's users to lobby the pharmacy board: "We feel you have the right to choose how you receive medical attention. We need your help. Please call the State Board of Pharmacy of Oklahoma at 405-521-3815 and let them know how internet medication has saved your lives."
The state pharmacy board has scheduled hearings later this month and will hear allegations that doctors employed by Mainstreet routinely wrote prescriptions for Valium and other popular medications. Most prescriptions included advance permission for two refills even though the doctors had not examined any of the patients in person, agents said.
Bryan Potter, executive director of the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy, said the state will seek to revoke the pharmacy's license and that of its owner, Clayton Fuchs of Rowlett, Texas.
Last month, the state suspended the medical license of Dr. Ricky Joe Nelson, who was affiliated with the pharmacy, pending a hearing in May. He was accused of writing prescriptions for people he never examined.
