A family physician in New York City was arrested on Monday for allegedly writing thousands of opioid prescriptions without legitimate medical cause.
Between June 2012 and January 2017, Martin Tesher, MD, allegedly wrote more than 14,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, amounting to 2.2 million pills. In certain instances, Dr. Tesher allegedly knew some of his patients were addicted to opioids or using illicit substances like cocaine and heroin, but continued prescribing them opioids anyway.
"Dr. Tesher acted no differently than a multimillion dollar heroin ring, distributing more than $20 million worth of opioids," said James Hunt, the Drug Enforcement Administration's special agent in charge for the Eastern District of New York, according to a release. "Law enforcement has no tolerance for rogue doctors, their medical staff or opioid traffickers, and we are committed to dismantling drug trafficking organizations, be it operating out of a family practitioner's office or a heroin mill."
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