Louisville Vet Cedes License Amid Opioid Mismanagement Charges

LOUISVILLE, CO — A Louisville vet has agreed to pay $226,000 in fines and give up his Colorado license to practice veterinary medicine in order to settle allegations that he both mismanaged large quantities of opioids and abused them himself. Dr. Greg Collins agreed to the civil settlement without admitting liability, at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Denver on April 19.

“The Drug Enforcement Administration is committed to protecting the public and holding those medical professionals accountable for their actions,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Tim McDermott in a statement attached to the ruling.

According to the U.S. government, Dr. Collins failed to properly inventory, track, and maintain control over controlled substances, including thousands of units of opioids such as fentanyl, hydromorphone, and morphine over a period of years, actions which would constitute a violation of the Controlled Substances Act. Prosecutors also claimed that he was self-abusing these substances. The reported violations were said to have been discovered by DEA investigators during an on-site inspection of Dr. Collins’ veterinary hospital, which included an audit of his drug control practices.

“When medical professionals like Dr. Collins don’t track and control their opioids carefully, they are contributing to the scourge of opioid abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn in a statement. “This serious conduct will cost Dr. Collins more than just a hefty monetary penalty. He has permanently lost his medical license and drug registration.”

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Division, in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office.