First-class dope
Pharmacist in drug probe mailed coke to feds
A shady Queens pharmacist angered by a DEA probe mailed cocaine to an investigator’s home in a bizarre attempt at intimidation, prosecutors announced Friday.
Dimitrios Lymberatos, 34, mailed a greeting card filled with white powder to the home address of the DEA investigator after the feds delayed issuance of permits allowing his pharmacy to distribute controlled substances, prosecutors said. Lymberatos found the investigator’s address by spending $43.50 on an online background check and the help of a friend who is a private investigator, according to a criminal complaint in Manhattan Federal
Court.
“When Dimitrios Lymberatos, a licensed pharmacist, learned his pharmacy was under investigation by the DEA, he allegedly took sinister action against a Diversion Investigator assigned to his case. Lymberatos allegedly sought to interfere with the investigation through intimidation, by sending cocaine to the Investigator’s home, potentially causing physical harm. Lymberatos’s misguided message was received loud and clear – and he now faces the possibility of a lengthy prison term for his potentially harmful attempt to obstruct law enforcement,” acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said.
After opening the greeting card the investigator contacted authorities, who tested the substance and determined it was cocaine, according to the complaint. An investigation determined Lymberatos tracked the delivery of the greeting card online more than two dozen times, prosecutors wrote.
Texts messages between an employee and Lymberatos hint that something shady was afoot at the now-shuttered pharmacy, the complaint notes.
“I’m scared and I’m also not in a position to lie to you but My name is on the line here if this investigation goes into any of that ordering . . . So if you’re letting me go, I’d be careful bc I’d have zero job opportunity, lose my license, and have zero problem risking that because I’ve been silent and respectful regarding all the non kosher stuff,” an employee allegedly texted Lymberatos.
A source identified the pharmacy as Nicky’s Pharmacy in Flushing. The DEA began investigating the pharmacy after learning that Lymberatos was the principal operator of the business though it was in another person’s name, according to the complaint.
Lymberatos’s attorney Sam Talkin denied the allegations.
Records show Lymberatos also owns Village Pharmacy in Whitestone. He is charged with obstruction of justice and conspiracy, which carry a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
“I’m at a loss for words right now,” a pharmacist at the business said before hanging up.