A Woodstock pharmacist who resides in Kitchener is facing new charges including fraud, theft and drug trafficking.
The 46-year-old man, identified by police as Yogesh Patel, was arrested in June as part of an investigation into the alleged trafficking of prescription drugs.
At the time, he was charged with drug trafficking, drug possession for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of property obtained by crime.
A man and woman from Woodstock were also arrested in June on charges of possessing drugs for the purpose of trafficking.
Police say they’ve continued to investigate the pharmacist, resulting in the laying of the new charges, which also include uttering a forged document.
In total, police say, prescription drugs with an estimated street value of $1.2 million were fraudulently obtained and stolen in connection with this case.
“It certainly is going to make a dent in the drug trade in this city, having this off the streets,” said Insp. Paul Hess.
Patel managed the Rexall pharmacy on Springbank Avenue in Woodstock, according to a spokesperson for the company.
“We’re extremely disappointed to learn that one of our pharmacists was conducting this alleged criminal activity,” Rexall spokesperson Derek Tupling said in an interview.
Marc Richard works at a restaurant in the same plaza as Patel’s pharmacy.
He said that he considered Patel a “nice, friendly guy” and was surprised to learn of the allegations against him.
“(I’m) surprised that he would jeopardize his licence and his job and his future for something like that,” he said.
Police say Fentanyl was the main drug seized in connection with their investigation, but oxycodone, morphine and other painkillers were also involved.
Patel has been in police custody since his arrest in June. His lawyer did not respond to a request for comment before this story was published.
With reporting by Abigail Bimman
