Watch CBS News

Doctor Pleads Guilty To Writing Illegal Narcotics Prescriptions

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A New York doctor admitted in federal court in New Jersey on Thursday that he wrote illegal prescriptions for oxycodone.

Dr. Hassan Lahham pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute the drug.

Prosecutors say the 45-year-old issued prescriptions to co-conspirators in exchange for cash since 2009. The orders were filled at New Jersey pharmacies in Monmouth, Ocean and Atlantic counties and redistributed to others.

Oxycodone is the active ingredient in such brand name pills as Oxycontin and Percocet.

There have been other recent cases of medical professionals running illegal prescription pill sales operations across the Tri-State area.

New Jersey recently passed a law to start tracking prescription drug use. The state is launching a long-awaited database monitoring use of dangerous drugs with the intent of helping doctors to spot abusers more quickly and authorities to stop drug dealers.

Lahham faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when he's sentenced in May.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.