Civil Penalty Settlement Reached with CVS Pharmacy in Carver

BOSTON – The United States has reached a civil settlement with CVS Health in connection with allegations that the CVS pharmacy in Carver violated federal regulations related to the sale of prescription drugs.

Twice in the spring of 2014 armed robbers stole large quantities of Schedule II prescription drugs from the CVS pharmacy in Carver.  Federal law required CVS to report the thefts immediately to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  CVS reported one of the thefts immediately but waited three weeks to report the other one.

After the robberies, DEA investigators visited the pharmacy to audit its controlled substances, using inventory, purchase, and sale records unaffected by the robberies.  The investigators found recordkeeping discrepancies affecting hundreds of Schedule II pills.  The government contended that CVS had failed to keep complete and accurate records of its controlled substances, in violation of the Controlled Substances Act.

“Prescription drugs handled by pharmacies are subject to strict requirements because of the potential for harm and abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz.  “This office will continue to ensure that pharmacies meet federal recordkeeping requirements, which are the primary way that the government regulates controlled substances.”

U.S. Attorney Ortiz and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA, New England Field Division, made the announcement today.  The investigation was conducted by Diversion Investigators with the DEA’s New England Division.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Ortiz’s Civil Division.