Detroit Pharmacy and Pharmacist Summarily Suspended for

Over Dispensing Controlled Substances

Media Contact: LARA Communications 517-373-9280

Email: mediainfo@michigan.gov

December 28, 2017 – The Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) served
orders summarily suspending the controlled substance license of Joe’s Discount Pharmacy in
Detroit and the pharmacist license of Yousef Kosho, who is responsible for the pharmacy’s
compliance with the Public Health Code. The Michigan Public Health Code provides for summary
suspension of licenses when the public health, safety, or welfare requires emergency action.
LARA also served accompanying administrative complaints on Joe’s Discount
Pharmacy and Kosho detailing their alleged dispensing of controlled substances without good faith
and a failure to maintain effective controls against diversion.
LARA’s complaint indicates that Joe’s Discount Pharmacy frequently dispensed commonly abused
and diverted medications to patients, often in dangerous combinations.
Governor Rick Snyder’s Michigan Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force called for a more
comprehensive enforcement program against licensed health professionals and facilities who
participate in overprescribing and over dispensing. Accordingly, LARA created a permanent Drug
Monitoring Section which focuses on identifying, investigating, and pursuing appropriate disciplinary
actions against individuals who overprescribe or divert controlled substances, and individuals and
facilities who over dispense controlled substances.
An order of summary suspension is a temporary measure to protect the public and not a final
determination that a licensee has violated the Public Health Code.