Hamilton pharmacist charged with trafficking opioids

A Hamilton pharmacist is facing charges in connection with diverting powerful prescription painkillers and selling them, the RCMP announced Tuesday.

Police say their investigation started back in February. That's when the RCMP got a tip from Health Canada about the possible diversion of opioids like fentanyl at a local pharmacy.

A man was then arrested on May 4 on an "unrelated ongoing investigation" being conducted by the RCMP's financial crime section, police say.

When he was searched, police found 6,800 oxycodone tablets, 40 fentanyl patches, and over $60,000 in cash, police say.

The RCMP then searched the man's home, and the home of the pharmacy's co-owner.

A 40-year-old Hamilton man now faces charges of fraud under $5,000, uttering forged documents, and two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

A 48-year-old Hamilton man also faces a charge of contravening the regulations of the controlled drugs and substances act.