Owner of Tubarão Rehabilitation Clinic Sentenced for Illegal Drug Administration

A judge of the 2nd Criminal Court in Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil sentenced the owner of a drug‑dependence rehabilitation centre to six years and eight months in a semi‑open regime, plus 666 days‑fine, for administering controlled psychotropic medicines without prescription. The court found that the owner had repeatedly ordered staff to give patients a mixture known as “batiguti,” containing carbamazepine and diazepam, as a means to sedate or discipline them.

The illegal practice, alleged to have begun in 2010, led to the death of a patient who received the medication in April 2013 and died about 52 hours after admission. Toxicology showed carbamazepine and diazepam in the victim’s system, which the expert testified could have contributed to the premature death. The decision remains subject to appeal before the Tribunal de Justiça of Santa Catarina.