Why were OB-GYNs writing prescriptions for men? DEA investigates Houston pharmacy after 99 suspicious prescriptions

A local Houston pharmacy and its owners are under investigation after an uncovered stash of fraudulent prescriptions for powerful narcotics.

• Are pharmacy medications safe and secure? Understand the vetting process of distributing pharmaceuticals

Nnwood Pharmacy, along with its owners Cheryl Brew Greenleaf and Wendell Kirk Greenleaf, is now facing civil penalties after a complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office claimed the business was handing out controlled substances, like hydrocodone and carisoprodol, without valid prescriptions.

U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei highlighted the importance of writing prescriptions safely and legitimately.

“The Controlled Substances Act ensures that those who manufacture, prescribe, dispense, and distribute controlled substances do so in a safe and legitimate way. This prevents dangerous narcotics being diverted for illicit use, or for unsuspecting people to ingest dangerous drugs,” said Ganjei.

• Houston pharmacy owner found guilty in $160 million medicare fraud

According to the civil complaint, Nnwood had been registered with the DEA since 2007 and was legally allowed to fill prescriptions for controlled substances. But investigators say the pharmacy began dispensing large quantities of medication from doctors located hundreds of miles away—many of them specializing in women’s health, oddly enough, while the recipients were mostly male patients.

It raised a lot of red flags.

Then, in July 2021, DEA agents executed a search warrant. What did they find? 99 suspicious prescriptions, many of which allegedly had fake DEA numbers.

These weren’t just typos—these were Schedule II to Schedule IV drugs being filled without a legitimate medical reason, according to the feds.

• Get a good look: Pharmacy robber pulls gun on employee, steals prescription meds

Investigators say Nnwood failed to keep proper records—something all pharmacies are required to do under the Controlled Substances Act.

“Pharmacies are the final defense against prescription drugs being diverted to the black market and into the wrong hands devastating communities,” said acting Special Agent in Charge William Kimbell of the DEA-Houston Division. “Pharmacies have a fundamental responsibility to ensure safeguards are in place to prevent the diversion of controlled substances and ensure that they are dispensing controlled substances pursuant to legitimate prescriptions.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill O. Venezia is now handling the case.