A 28-year-old former pharmacy technician at a hospital in Wayne, New Jersey was indicted in 2017 on charges of theft and drug tampering. His job duties had included stocking the automated dispensing cabinets that supply medications to operating rooms.
According to authorities, he allegedly removed fentanyl from the operating room dispensers and refilled the vials with a colorless solution. He then reportedly brought the vials to the hospital pharmacy and reported them as defective.
Law enforcement investigated and arrested him, and he was subsequently charged with theft and drug tampering. The report notes that a conviction could carry a state prison sentence of up to 15 years.
He is no longer employed by the hospital and reportedly surrendered his pharmacy credential after the criminal charges were filed. The charges are allegations only.