Upland Doctor Arrested for Smuggling Drugs
Vinod Patwardhan, an Upland doctor was charged with allegedly smuggling unapproved drugs into the United States from India. Dr. Patwardhan is a board certified physician who specializes in oncology and hematology. His hospital privileges include hospitals in the cities of Pomona, Chino, Montclair and Ontario.
According to the federal complaint, Patwardhan treated over 30 patients being treated for cancer by administering partial doses of illegal drugs as part of their chemotherapy. His employees allegedly told authorities that instead of treating his patients by full doses, he would administer half doses and share single vials between two patients.
Patwardhan did tell authorities that he has brought over hundreds of thousands of dollars from India and Honduras. The narcotics were allegedly transferred in a gym back and Nordstrom bags.
It is speculated that Dr. Patwardhan saved between $150-$200 per vial or over $1 million over the past six to seven years.
Dr. Patwardhan was charged with one count of delivering misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead. If convicted, he could receive a maximum of three years in federal prison. Patwardhan was released on $2 million bond his arraignment is set for Sept. 17.
It is unclear if his hospital privileges have been suspended or what action the California Medical Board is taking.
