On April 16, 2020, detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit (PCU) and Moorpark Police Department Special Enforcement Detail concluded a month long fraudulent prescription investigation into Benjamin Agular.
On March 14, 2020, Aguilar entered two separate CVS pharmacies in the city of Moorpark and obtained Promethazine with Codeine cough syrup with fraudulent prescriptions. Moorpark patrol deputies were called to each location and crime reports were generated. Once the reports were generated, the PCU became involved and quickly identified Aguilar as the suspect.
On April 16, 2020, a search warrant was served at Aguilar’s residence located in the 13200 block of Bracken Street in Arleta. Evidence related to the fraudulently obtained prescriptions was located along with a Glock firearm and one extended 30 round magazine.
Aguilar was located at his residence during the search warrant where he was interviewed and ultimately arrested and booked into custody at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Main Jail facility for 11368 H&S – forged prescription, 459 PC – commercial burglary and charges related to the firearm and extended magazine. This case was submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review and filing considerations. All the above-mentioned charges were filed against Aguilar in this matter and his arraignment court date is scheduled for April 27, 2020.
Additionally, the PCU has seen an increase in fraudulent prescription activity within Ventura County attempting to obtain Promethazine with codeine. The PCU would like to ask pharmacists to be extra diligent when these prescriptions present themselves to be filled and make every attempt to verify with the prescribing doctor that is listed on the prescription. Additionally, attempt to obtain a phone number to contact the prescribing doctor by other means than using the one listed on the prescription, as the number listed on the prescription may be fraudulent as well.
The Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit is a task force made up of members from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Thousand Oaks Police Department and the Ventura Police Department. The primary mission of the task force is combatting the transfer of legal prescription medication to the illegal market. In addition, the task force works to identify and stop new trends of abuse among the younger population and investigates overdoses due to both prescription medication and illicit drug use.
The public may also anonymously use the email [email protected] to report pharmaceutical related crimes involving prescription medications.
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