DEA probe into Ruston doctors left patients in lurch
DEA agents served search warrants on the Prescription Shoppe Pharmacy on West Line Avenue in Ruston in November of 2021 as part of an investigation. Leader file photo
Agents from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration served warrants in mid-November 2021 on two Ruston doctors and one local pharmacy in an investigation that reportedly centers on prescriptions for schedule drugs.
As of yearend, the DEA would not confirm any action had been taken against Dr. Mike Belue, Dr. Allen Herbert or the Prescription Shoppe Pharmacy.
Patients of both doctors found themselves suddenly in a lurch when, almost immediately after the DEA visit, most local pharmacies refused to refill existing scheduled drug prescriptions from the two physicians and wouldn’t fill new ones.
A scheduled, or controlled, drug is one the distribution of which is tightly restricted because of its abuse potential or risk. Controlled drugs are rated in order of their abuse potential and categorized by the DEA in one of five schedules.
Belue, 75, suddenly retired in mid-December still with patient appointments on his books. Herbert, 80, continues to practice. The Prescription Shoppe also remains open.
Belue was and Herbert is a family practitioner at Lincoln Community Health Center, located at 1140 South Vienna Street.
So far, neither the DEA nor the U.S. Attorney’s office has issued any statements about the investigation since the raid occurred Nov. 16.
Belue said he voluntarily retired after the DEA asked him to not write prescriptions for narcotics. He also said he intended to give up his medical license. Though the Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners continues to show Belue as active, the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy shows his CDS license was inactivated as of Dec. 13, 2021.
All of Herbert’s credentials still show current, according to the online databases with both organizations.
Belue, who practiced medicine for more than 43 years, is also the Lincoln Parish coroner. His term doesn’t expire until March 24, 2024.
Louisiana law requires coroners to be physicians licensed by the state board of medical examiners. That requirement is waived only if no licensed physician qualifies to run for office.
