Hank Silverberg, wtop.com
WASHINGTON — A local doctor who police say was the center of an illegal prescription drug ring has been arrested.
Prince William County Police say 73-year-old Dr. Alex Yadao of Alexandria, who practiced general surgery in Triangle, Va., is accused of selling Oxycontin, morphine and other painkillers to patients without any medical reason to do so.
Police say he was putting more than 8,000 pills on the streets illegally each week.
A man living in the basement of the doctor’s office, 53-year-old Keith Payne of Triangle was also arrested. Police charged him with distributing the drugs.
The operation was active in Prince William, Fairfax and Fauquier counties.
Two other people were also arrested. Paul Phillips, 49, and 43-year-old Bonnie Phillips, both from Midland, Va., have been charged with prescription fraud and possession.
Police say they were tipped off to the operation by people living near Yadao’s office on Old Triangle Road. They were suspicious of the large volume of people coming to and from his office.
Both Yadao and Payne are being held in jail without bond. More arrests might be coming in the case.
All are due in court Feb. 6.
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