335,000 high-dose oxy pills, cash-only: South Florida pharmacy owner found guilty by jury

A federal jury has convicted a Florida pharmacist who prosecutors said illegally dispensed more than 335,000 high-dose oxycodone pills, charging customers cash prices up to 10 times the normal cost and continuing the operation despite warnings from employees and federal authorities.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Wednesday that Olushola Yusuf, 60, of Tampa, was found guilty Monday in the Southern District of Florida of conspiracy to illegally distribute drugs and five counts of illegal drug distribution, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Federal prosecutors said Yusuf dispensed at least 335,351 oxycodone 30-milligram pills through two pharmacies she owned and operated: Boots LLC, doing business as Striderite in Margate, and Chans Pharmacy Plus in Pembroke Pines.

According to court records and trial testimony, Yusuf provided oxycodone to customers who had no legitimate medical need for the drug and required payment in cash. The Justice Department said oxycodone 30 mg is the strongest available dosage and is typically prescribed to patients suffering from severe conditions such as chronic cancer pain or traumatic injuries.

Prosecutors said nearly all of Yusuf's pharmacy customers received oxycodone prescriptions. Customers traveled from across Florida to obtain pills that other pharmacies would not fill, with some paying as much as $1,000 per month in cash.

Authorities also alleged that some customers were drug dealers who picked up oxycodone prescriptions on behalf of dozens of patients who were not present. Witnesses testified that Yusuf kept her pharmacy doors locked during business hours and instructed employees to admit only certain customers.

Prosecutors said Yusuf continued dispensing the drugs even after receiving repeated warnings from employees and the Drug Enforcement Administration about suspicious activity and the dangers of her operations.

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"The defendant abused the public trust by using her pharmacies to unlawfully distribute deadly opioids," Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department's National Fraud Enforcement Division said in a statement.

FBI Co-Deputy Director Christopher Raia said Yusuf's actions contributed to the ongoing opioid epidemic.

"By distributing dangerous and highly addictive narcotics, the defendant demonstrated a clear disregard for their community and endangered countless residents who should have been able to trust their pharmacist," Raia said.

U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said Yusuf "knowingly flooded South Florida communities with more than 335,000 high-dose oxycodone pills" and prioritized profit over patient safety.

Yusuf's co-defendant, Saman Gimenez, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to illegally distribute drugs and is scheduled to be sentenced in October.

Yusuf faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on each count. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 14, 2026.

The case was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the FBI, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Trial Attorney Angela Benoit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacqueline DerOvanesian prosecuted the case.