Oncologist in Laredo, Texas Sentenced in QSP Counterfeit Drugs Purchase Case
On December 20, 2013, Dr. Eduardo Miranda pleaded guilty to one count of introducing misbranded drugs into the country. Dr. Miranda specialized in treating patients with cancer. He ordered cancer drugs from Quality Specialty Products (QSP), a wholesale medication distributor and subsidiary of Canada Drugs. The drugs Dr. Miranda purchased were not approved for distribution or use in the U.S. and did not bear adequate labeling for use. QSP was subsequently found to be the source of counterfeit cancer medications that began appearing in U.S. doctors’ offices. On June 26, 2014, Dr. Miranda was sentenced to 5 years probation and required to pay back more than $1 million in profits that he made by defrauding Medicare.
Who:
When: June 26, 2014, 2007-2009.
Where: Laredo, Texas
How: Initial investigation by U.S. Postal Inspectors.
Additional details: Dr. Miranda intermingled the drugs he purchased from QSP with the small stocks of FDA-approved versions he purchased. He made no effort to differentiate between the genuine and misbranded drugs when treating patients. He then filed insurance claims with Medicaid, Medicare and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas as if he were using lawfully-approved versions to the drugs.
Related sources:
“Eduardo Miranda Plea Agreement,” US District Court, Southern District of Texas, December 20, 2013
“Local Doctor Pleads Guilty In Misbranding Drugs Case ,” DOJ, December 20, 2013
“Laredo Doctor Guilty In Misbranded Drugs Case,” CBS Houston, December 21, 2013
“ Laredo physician sentenced to five years probation,”KGNS.tv, June 26, 2014