Oklahoma psychiatrist Amar Bhandary, wanted in prescription drug deaths, arrested in Germany

May 19, 2012

Federal authorities say an Oklahoma City psychiatrist wanted for illegally distributing prescription medications — including to five people who died — has been arrested in Germany.

The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma said Friday that Dr. Amar Bhandary (uh-MAR' ban-DAR'-ay) was arrested Thursday at Frankfurt International Airport after arriving on a flight from India. The prosecutor says efforts to extradite Bhandary back to the U.S. are under way.

A phone call to Bhandary's office was answered with a recording saying the number is disconnected.

A March indictment alleges that Bhandary illegally prescribed painkillers and anti-anxiety medications that led to the deaths of five people. He faces up to life in prison on each count if convicted.

He faces another 48 counts of illegal distribution of controlled substances.