An Idaho-based veterinary supply company, MWI Veterinary Supply Inc., reached a $100,000 settlement with federal officials regarding the oversight of drug shipments. The case stems from concerns that the distributor failed to properly flag excessive orders of controlled substances placed by a veterinarian in Putnam County, West Virginia.
Between 2018 and 2023, Dr. Clara Ann Mason ordered large quantities of hydrocodone/acetaminophen and oxycodone HCL. Federal investigators noted these volumes exceeded standard medical and veterinary practices. Although the company’s internal suspicious order monitoring system flagged the activity in September 2022, the alerts were dismissed the following day without further inquiry. Following that incident, MWI processed nine additional orders for the practitioner, including a single delivery of 1,300 pills.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, Moore Capito, emphasized that the distribution of controlled substances carries strict legal obligations. Failure to monitor these shipments poses significant risks to communities by increasing the potential for drug diversion and abuse. The Drug Enforcement Administration identified the settlement as a reminder for all registrants to maintain rigid adherence to the Controlled Substances Act.
Dr. Mason previously faced legal consequences for her actions. Last year, a federal judge ordered her to pay $956,709 in civil penalties after finding she did not secure the medication and falsified internal records to hide the scope of her purchasing. This recent settlement concludes the government’s action against the supply company involved in the distribution chain.