By Steve Kanigher, Las Vegas – A federal grand jury indicted a Las Vegas physician on charges that he unlawfully prescribed large quantities of oxycodone and other highly addictive prescription drugs, Nevada’s U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden said Friday.
Dr. Victor Bruce, 48, was charged Wednesday with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and was arrested in Las Vegas Friday morning. He is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Koppe this afternoon for an initial appearance, arraignment and plea.
“Our office will continue working aggressively with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to attack the growing problem of prescription drug abuse,” Bogden said. “Our federal and local law enforcement partners will continue to prioritize these unlawful prescription drug distribution cases and continue working to shut down dangerous unlawful “pill mill” operations.”
According to the indictment, Bruce operates Swanlake Medical Center at 3330 South Hualapai Way and represents himself to be a pain management specialist. It is alleged that Bruce prescribed large quantities of oxycodone and other prescription drugs without medical necessity, knowing they were going to be illegally diverted. Bruce allegedly conspired with local drug dealers to distribute the medication to Las Vegas area customers who abused the drugs.
If convicted, Bruce faces up to 20 years in prison and $1 million in fines.
This case is being investigated by the Nevada High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Pharm-Net Task Force, which includes federal and local law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Crane Pomerantz and Cristina Silva.
