DEA Raids Down East Maine Pharmacies Owned by Disciplined Pharmacist

Federal agents seized controlled substance records from two pharmacies in Eastport and Machias amid allegations of improper dispensing and record-keeping.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents executed administrative inspection warrants at two Washington County pharmacies owned by Benjamin Okafor, a pharmacist with a history of disciplinary issues from the Maine Board of Pharmacy. The warrants resulted in the seizure of controlled substances records from Okafor's Eastport Family Pharmacy and Machias Family Pharmacy, which serve as the closest medication access points for several Down East Maine communities.

Why it matters

The raids raise concerns about the ability of residents in remote Down East Maine towns to access needed medications, as Okafor's pharmacies are the only options in the area. The DEA's actions also highlight ongoing issues with Okafor's pharmacies, including improper dispensing of controlled substances and record-keeping violations that have led to past disciplinary actions by the state pharmacy board.

The details

According to the search warrant affidavit, the DEA seized controlled substances records from Okafor's two pharmacies on February 10th. Much of the affidavit details Okafor's disciplinary history with the Maine Board of Pharmacy, including issues around erroneously kept records of controlled substances and improperly dispensed medications. No formal charges have been filed yet in relation to the warrants.

  • On February 10, 2026, DEA agents executed administrative inspection warrants at the two pharmacies.
  • In 2014, Okafor opened the Eastport Family Pharmacy, which was the only pharmacy serving the town at the time.
  • In 2019, Okafor was placed on a 30-day suspension and 10-year probation by the state pharmacy board for altering prescription labels and records to hide incorrect dispensing of a controlled substance.

The players

Benjamin Okafor

A Bangor-based pharmacist who owns the Eastport Family Pharmacy and Machias Family Pharmacy, and has a history of disciplinary issues with the Maine Board of Pharmacy.

Ihezie Obi

The designated lead pharmacist at Okafor's Eastport Family Pharmacy, who has also faced disciplinary action from the state pharmacy board for improperly dispensing controlled substances.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

The federal agency that executed the administrative inspection warrants and seized controlled substances records from Okafor's pharmacies.

Maine Board of Pharmacy

The state regulatory body that has previously disciplined Okafor and his pharmacies for issues related to controlled substance record-keeping and medication dispensing.

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What they’re saying

“The computer system auto-populated the wrong patient name because the patient names were similar.”

— Ihezie Obi, Pharmacist-in-Charge (Court Documents)

What’s next

No formal charges have been filed yet in relation to the warrants, but the DEA is continuing to investigate the allegations against Okafor, including claims of sexual relations with pharmacy staff in exchange for drugs.

The takeaway

The DEA's raid on Okafor's pharmacies highlights the challenges rural Maine communities face in accessing essential medications, as well as the ongoing oversight issues surrounding pharmacists with disciplinary histories. This case underscores the need for stronger regulation and accountability measures to ensure the proper dispensing of controlled substances, especially in areas with limited pharmacy options.