Md. Doc Pleads Guilty To Importing Unapproved Drugs

GREENBELT, Md. (AP) -- The U.S. Attorney's Office says a Maryland oncologist has pleaded guilty to importing unapproved, cheaper foreign drugs.

Prosecutors say 52-year-old Isabella Martire of Laurel pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt on Monday.

According to her plea agreement, investigators looking into allegations a British pharmaceutical wholesaler was illegally exporting drugs found Martire purchased nearly $200,000 in drugs not approved for use in the United States. Prosecutors say a raid on Martire's office found several boxes of unapproved drugs, including some with labels and packaging almost entirely in Turkish.

The U.S. Attorney's office says Martire sought reimbursement from the federal government for the drugs, leading to cost savings of at least $790,600 in 2010. She faces up to a year in prison at sentencing Oct. 17.

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