Tennessee Pharmacy Owner Accused of Trading Drugs for Sex

Federal authorities suspend license of Chattanooga pharmacy owner Nader Rahbe amid allegations of illegal drug distribution.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:18pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a prescription pill bottle against a pitch-black background, the label obscured, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A prescription drug bottle at the center of an alleged scheme to trade medications for sexual acts, exposing the dark underbelly of the pharmaceutical industry.Chattanooga Today

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued an Immediate Suspension Order (ISO) to A+ Pharmacy in Chattanooga, Tennessee, after its owner, Nader Rahbe, was accused of trading prescription drugs for sexual acts with up to 30 women. Rahbe, 77, was charged with selling or possessing listed drugs without a prescription and distributing drugs. Authorities allege video evidence captured Rahbe's exchanges with the women, including one showing him dumping prescription medications directly into a woman's hands.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of prescription drug abuse and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by unscrupulous healthcare providers. It also raises questions about oversight and regulation of independent pharmacies, particularly in light of ongoing legislative efforts in Tennessee to address pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices.

The details

According to the DEA, the ISO immediately suspends A+ Pharmacy's authority to handle controlled substances due to 'imminent danger to public health or safety.' Authorities allege Rahbe began by propositioning one woman but ultimately completed arrangements with as many as 30 before being caught by police. The affidavit claims video evidence shows Rahbe directly distributing prescription drugs like Phentermine (a Schedule 4 controlled substance) to the women.

  • On Monday, the DEA announced it had issued the Immediate Suspension Order to A+ Pharmacy.
  • Rahbe was reportedly arrested and booked into the Hamilton County Jail on Monday.

The players

Nader Rahbe

The 77-year-old pharmacist in charge of A+ Pharmacy in Chattanooga, Tennessee, who was accused of trading prescription drugs for sexual acts with up to 30 women.

A+ Pharmacy

An independently owned pharmacy in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that had its license suspended by the DEA due to the allegations against its owner, Nader Rahbe.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

The federal agency that issued the Immediate Suspension Order (ISO) to A+ Pharmacy, suspending the pharmacy's authority to handle controlled substances.

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What they’re saying

“The details of this case are disturbing and go well beyond regulatory infractions. When the allegations are made public, the community will be stunned.”

— Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Nader Rahbe to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and regulation of independent pharmacies to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and the illegal distribution of controlled substances. It also underscores the importance of addressing the broader issue of prescription drug abuse in local communities.