An illicit eight-year, million-dollar equine drug operation that endangered the lives of countless horses has ended in an arrest in the State of New York.
Horse competing in barrel racing which requires healthy leg joints
Between 2012 and January 2020, it is alleged Gregory Settino stole thousands of bottles of Adequan, a proprietary injectable drug which he sold to horse trainers and veterinarians.
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Federal courts have apprehended and arraigned Gregory Settino, the production supervisor of manufacturing for New York’s Luitpold Pharmaceuticals (now American Regent) on charges of theft of medical products and making a false statement to a federal agent.
Between 2012 and January 2020, it is alleged Settino stole thousands of bottles, valued at more than a million dollars, of Adequan, a proprietary injectable drug manufactured by Luitpold/American Regent, which he then sold to horse trainers and veterinarians at New York racetracks for more than $600,000.
The medication, which is administered to horses with degenerative joint disease, was not maintained, stored, or transported in accordance with proper procedures for ensuring its safety, effectiveness, and efficacy, the indictment alleges.
Further, it is alleged the drugs were handled in violation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated supply chain, with Settino accused of occasionally transporting them in shoeboxes stored in his car.
“The safety and effectiveness of veterinary drugs play a key role in maintaining the health of animals,” says Jeffrey Ebersole, a special agent-in-charge with the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI) New York field office. “When these drugs leave the legitimate supply chain, they can lose their effectiveness or become unsafe.”
Additionally, Settino is accused of making a false statement to a federal agent due to an interview on Jan. 23 when he allegedly stated he had stolen fewer than 100 bottles of the drug.
“As alleged, Settino abused his supervisory position at a pharmaceuticals company to steal large quantities of equine drugs in order to enrich himself and without regard for how his sale of the medical products could potentially endanger the health of horses,” says Seth D. DuCharme, the acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
“The defendant then allegedly compounded his criminal conduct by lying to an FDA special agent to minimize the scope of his thefts.”
The accused has been released on a $250,000 bond. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.
Press release Veterinary Practice News