US-Based Nigerian Pharmacist Convicted for Illegally Dispensing Over 300,000 High-Dose Oxycodone Pills, Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison

A Nigerian-born pharmacist in the United States, Olushola Yusuf, has been convicted by a federal jury for illegally dispensing more than 300,000 high-dose oxycodone pills to customers without a legitimate medical need. According to U.S. court documents, the 60-year-old owned Boots LLC (doing business as Striderite) in Margate and Chans Pharmacy Plus in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Prosecutors said she illegally dispensed at least 326,079 oxycodone 30 mg pills as part of the conspiracy.Authorities alleged that Yusuf charged customers about 10 times the normal price and accepted cash payments only. Some customers reportedly traveled long distances because they were unable to obtain prescriptions elsewhere, while others allegedly paid as much as $1,300 per month for the drugs. Investigators also testified that some customers were drug dealers who collected pills on behalf of dozens of people who were not present.The court heard that Yusuf kept the pharmacy doors locked during business hours, allowing entry only to selected customers, and continued the operation despite repeated warnings from employees and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald said the pharmacist had abused the public trust by using her pharmacies to unlawfully distribute dangerous opioids.“This conviction sends an unmistakable message: whether you deal drugs on a street corner or from behind a pharmacy counter, the Fraud Division will hold you fully accountable under the law.”DEA Chief of Operations Matthew W. Allen said Yusuf abandoned her professional responsibility by dispensing hundreds of thousands of oxycodone pills to virtually anyone willing to pay inflated cash prices.The jury found Yusuf guilty of conspiracy to illegally distribute controlled substances and five counts of illegal drug distribution. She faces up to 20 years in prison on each count, with sentencing scheduled for October 14. Her co-defendant, Saman Gimenez, previously pleaded guilty and is also expected to be sentenced in October.