Elderly Pinoys arraigned over black market sale of painkillers

'Dr Lucas is charged with being one of the city's most prolific illegal prescribers of the black market's favorite pill – 30 mg oxycodone,' says special prosecutor for narcotics Bridget Brennan

Rappler.com

Published 2:14 PM, June 11, 2015

Updated 2:14 PM, June 11, 2015

LOOT. Authorities found over $600,000 in cash in the Lucas' home in Scarsdale, New York. Photo from the US Drug Enforcement Agency's website

MANILA, Philippines – An elderly Filipino couple operating in New York City's Upper West Side was arrested on Tuesday, June 9, for the alleged illegal sale of over $77 million worth of painkillers.

According to the New York Daily News, Dr Rogelio Lucas, 77, and 80-year-old wife Lydia, who manages the clinic, are accused of selling the drugs in the black market since 2009.

“Dr Lucas is charged with being one of the city’s most prolific illegal prescribers of the black market’s favorite pill – 30 mg oxycodone,” Bridget Brennan, special prosecutor for narcotics was quoted on CBS News.

She added: “Instead of healing, doctors who routinely sign orders for unneeded narcotic drugs endanger the health and welfare of the public. Corrupt doctors who exchange prescriptions for cash have stoked the epidemic of addiction gripping our region."

Oxycodone is an opioid pain medication used for severe pain.

Local media reported that the couple's home in Scarsdale, New York, was also raided, where they found at least $600,000 in cash.

Prosecutors also mentioned that in addition to their New York properties, the couple owns homes in Hawaii, Florida, and the Philippines.

The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) said that Lucas wrote at least 23,000 prescriptions for 3.1 million pills.

The DEA said in a news release that the couple was arraigned on June 9 and charged with fourth-degree conspiracy and 37 counts of criminal sale of a prescription for a controlled substance, which are all felonies in the United States. – Rappler.com