News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2003

Pharmacist Arrested on Drug Charges, Approximately $1.6 Million
in Cash Seized in West Bloomfield, Michigan

MAY 21-Detroit, MI- On May 20, 2003, Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Braun of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit, Jeffrey Collins, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, and Detective First Lieutenant Edward Gerds of the Michigan State Police (MSP) Western Wayne Narcotics Enforcement Team announced the arrest of Oliver OBI on May 16, 2003 and the seizure of approximately $1.6 million in cash from his home in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

Obi is charged in a Federal Criminal Complaint with possession with intent to unlawfully distribute a controlled substance, namely Vicodin and Lorcet. Obi is a licensed Pharmacist and the owner of the Sherwood Community Pharmacy, which is located inside Express Liquor at 7420 W. Seven Mile Road, Detroit, Michigan.

This investigation was initiated by the MSP Western Wayne Narcotics Enforcement Team and worked jointly with the DEA Detroit Diversion Unit and the United States Attorneys Office Controlled Substance Unit. Initial investigation indicates that in 2001 Obi ordered and received 173,003, 60 mg. doses of Acetaminophen with Codeine. Obi's order was over 70 times the national average for a pharmacy to dispense. In 2001, Obi also ordered and received 1,012, 600 7.5 mg. dosage units of Hydrocodone, commonly known as Vicodin. This purchase pattern was over 65 times the national average for a pharmacy to dispense. Obi ranked 3rd in the entire United States for the purchase of these two drugs, which are commonly diverted from legitimate use to illegal street sale.

On May 20, 2003, at 1:00pm, Obi will be present at a Detention Hearing held before the Honorable U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven Pepe on the first floor of the United States Courthouse located at 231 W. Lafayette in Detroit.

"The case illustrates the outstanding impact that federal, state and local law enforcement agencies working together can achieve as they target unscrupulous professionals involved in the illegal distribution of pharmaceuticals in our community," said Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Braun of the DEA Detroit Office.

For additional information on this topic and more, visit the DEA website @ www.dea.gov