Hamilton pharmacist charged with trafficking opioids

A Hamilton pharmacistisfacing 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.