Atlanta—The Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency on Friday closed the Santa Fe Pharmacy in Duluth following a Georgia State Board of Pharmacy Order of Summary of Suspension. The Board had received reliable information that the pharmacy had filled a significant number of fraudulent prescriptions.

In addition, the Santa Fe Pharmacy had fired their pharmacist in late February; had not employed a pharmacist; and did not have a pharmacist in charge, which is a violation of Georgia law.

“Pharmacies and pharmacy owners are expected to maintain certain standards of practice to prohibit the distribution of controlled substances,” Secretary of State Karen Handel said. “An investigation proved that this pharmacy failed to meet those standards.”

Manual Lozano, the owner of the pharmacy, was arrested in late February and charged with unlicensed practice of medicine.

A copy of the Order of Summary Suspension can be found on the Board’s website at:http://sos.ga.gov/_press/2008_0453_phre009404_001.pdf.

Karen Handel was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State’s office offers important services to our citizens and our business community. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.

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Matt Carrothers