Arrested pharmacist back at work Wednesday

The Baldwin pharmacist arrested Monday and charged with dispensing a large number of oxycodone and other powerful painkillers was at his store Wednesday, though not allowed to dispense narcotics as part of his bond agreement.

But Lutful Chowdhury, 62, of Westbury, declined to comment on the arrest, the second in the past year in which he was accused of illegally dispensing painkillers. His Rockville Centre attorney, William Petrillo, also declined to comment.

Robert Nardoza, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney general's office, Eastern District of New York, said that under the $250,000 bond order, Chowdhury was allowed to continue running the store. He said Chowdhury is prohibited from dispensing narcotics, including oxycodone.

The bond order includes other restrictions, including unannounced visits by authorities to Chowdhury's store and home.

The fact that the red neon sign in the window of Chowdhury's Aim Pharmacy and Surgical Corp. at 1655 Grand Ave., flashed the store was "open" raised neighbors' eyebrows -- particularly because Chowdhury was also arrested last June.

The Nassau district attorney's office contended then that Chowdhury dispensed the pills despite knowing the prescriptions were forged and written on stolen prescription pads.

In the most recent charges, federal prosecutors contend that between May 2006 and September 2011, Chowdhury dispensed oxycodone and fentanyl to people with stolen or fraudulent prescriptions.

"I don't think it's right," said Pat Caroll, who works the front desk at the Baldwin Dental Arts clinic across the street from the pharmacy.

This story has been corrected to reflect that the terms of the bond order were required by the court.