LAS VEGAS (AP) - A Nevada woman who imported prescription drugs and sold them to the tune of $2 million over a seven-year period now faces up to 15 years in federal prison.
Patricia Padilla, 62, pleaded guilty Friday to three counts, including conspiracy to import prescription drugs and distributing prescription drugs when not licensed as an importer.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Las Vegas Metro Police said Padilla’s illegal enterprise lasted from 2013 to 2018.
Padilla distributed drugs at her two stores, named Sinaloa Store and Deportes Y Mas. She would provide customers a fake prescription, then fulfill the order at the front of the store.
Padilla had no state or federal license that would have allowed her to prescribe or distribute controlled substances.
The statement by the office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada said Padilla imported “bulk quantities” of drugs from Mexico and El Salvador.
Law enforcement has seized about $1.7 million from Padilla’s drug earnings, the statement said.
A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June 11.
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