United States Drug Enforcement Administration

DETROIT, MI - Michael Madu, 41, of West Bloomfield, Michigan, was charged in a Superseding Indictment unsealed today for conspiring to distribute controlled substances including Opana, Vicodin, and Xanax. The Indictment also charged Madu with money laundering in connection with the purchase of two luxury vehicles and the purchase of a residence in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

As charged in the Indictment, Madu operated Mykal’s Discount Pharmacy at 1625 Livernois Avenue in Detroit, Michigan. The indictment alleges that Madu knowingly filled forged prescriptions for the controlled substances. Further, the Indictment charges Madu with using the proceeds from the conspiracy to purchase two Infiniti vehicles and a residence in West Bloomfield.

"Prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing kind of drug abuse in our community," McQuade said. "The number of people who die in one year from overdoses of prescription drugs in the United States is six times the number of people who die from overdoses of all other illegal drugs combined."

DEA Special Agent in Charge Robert L. Corso stated, "The charges announced today are another example of DEA's determination to combat the troubling prescription drug abuse problem in this country. Mr. Madu abused his position of trust as a pharmacist, and jeopardized numerous lives by illegally distributing controlled substances throughout southeast Michigan. This investigation demonstrates that the DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue those that are illegally diverting prescription drugs into our communities."

IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Eric Martinez stated, IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to work with DEA and the United Attorney's Office to combat illegal drug and money laundering activities that devastate our communities. Individuals who perpetrate these crimes have no regard for the neighborhoods that they are destroying and we are committed to putting them behind bars.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Philip A. Ross and Terrence J. L. Thompson. The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement (DEA) and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations.