Police: Pharmacist sold drugs for gain

MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WALA) - Pharmacists are known for selling prescription drugs, but Mobile Police said one of them was selling drugs illegally. Police arrested a pharmacist they said was stealing from his job.

There was no one driving through the pharmacy at Fred's Department Store in Citronelle Friday morning. That's because it was temporarily closed by The Alabama State Pharmacy Board. Authorities are investigating pharmacist Bruce Elliot Miller.

"We know for sure he was selling it for his gain," Officer Ronald Wallace said.

Police said they have been investigating the licensed pharmacist for some time.

"It's believed he was actually distributing the narcotics from the pharmacy in the city of Mobile. Our MCSENT unit actually did receive tips and we did get him in custody," Wallace added.

Police busted Miller as soon as he walked out of the doors. Police said he literally took his work home and also put it out on the streets.

"He was found to have in his possession at least 1,000 units of 10mg of hydrocodone pills and also about 1,000 ml of codeine syrup," said Wallace.

Police believe he distributed at least 4,500 units of pharmaceutical controlled substances and 2,800 20 ml of codeine syrup. Combined, police said Miller had at least $50,000 worth of narcotics.

When police went to Miller's home on Old Shell Road they said they found an array of prescription drugs.

"It's definitely alarming. Some of these drugs could definitely be used to make meth," added Wallace.

FOX10 News was turned away when we tried to speak with the pharmacy manager about their knowledge of the alleged crime. For now, Miller can't work as a pharmacist.

"The board has seized his license until the audit is done and pending the outcome of the investigation. It's undetermined whether or not he'll get his license back," Wallace said.

Miller was charged with two counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances and unlawful possession of controlled substances. Police said more charges could be filed.