Peter C. Harvey, Attorney General

Division of Consumer Affairs
Reni Erdos, Director

For Immediate Release:
December 5, 2003

For Further Information Contact:
Jeff Lamm, Genene Morris
973-504-6327

NEWARK - A Newark store owner who operated an unlicensed pharmacy from her establishment has entered into an agreement with the State of New Jersey to pay $40,000 in civil penalties and cease activities related to the distribution and sale of prescription drugs, Attorney General Peter C. Harvey and Consumer Affairs Director Reni Erdos announced today.

Sandra Lawal Santana, owner and operator of Amazonia Brasil, located at 21 Prospect Street in Newark, admitted that she engaged in the practice of pharmacy without having the required state registration and license. She also acknowledged employing workers who dispensed prescription drugs and who were not licensed or registered to do so.

Undercover investigators from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs in August 2002 and January 2003 purchased prescription drugs at Amazonia Brasil without having a required doctor's authorization. The prescription drugs obtained were Lexotan Bromazepam and Bactrim F.

"The public was put at risk by this illegal operation," Attorney General Harvey said. "People could just walk up to the counter, describe a condition or symptom, and get from an untrained person a prescription drug that ultimately could do them more harm than good."

"State regulations exist to ensure the proper diagnosis and treatment of serious health conditions," Director Erdos added. "We require an examination by a doctor in order for a prescription to be written and that the prescription drug must be dispensed from a licensed pharmacy employing a registered pharmacist. These regulations provide a health care process with integrity."

Under terms of the settlement, filed yesterday before Judge Harriet F. Klein in Essex County Superior Court, $20,000 of the penalty is stayed if the balance is paid on schedule. Santana also is barred from presenting her business as a pharmacy and all activities related to operating a bonafide pharmacy.

Deputy Attorney General Susan C. Berger of the Division of Law handled this matter for the State.