Authorities investigating LV dentist

Dan Kulin

Monday, Dec. 22, 2003 | 10:50 a.m.

State authorities are investigating a Las Vegas dentist who told the California Highway Patrol that he used cocaine to anesthetize his patients.

Dr. Hamid Ahmadi, who has an office in Las Vegas, was arrested by the officers about 1 a.m. Dec. 15 on Interstate 15 just south of Baker, Calif., California Highway Patrol Sgt. Daniel Laza said.

Ahmadi, 42, reportedly told the arresting officers that some of the cocaine in his possession was to be used as an anesthetic on his patients, Laza said. He said some of the 57.8 grams of cocaine found was separated into smaller packages, and the arresting officers believed it was clear the drugs were intended to be resold.

William Busch, a retired dentist and executive director of the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners, said to his knowledge some dentists may have used cocaine as an anesthetic many years ago, but not now. The most common local anesthetics used now are Xylocaine and benzocaine. Busch declined to discuss Ahmadi's situation.

Board attorney John Hunt said he is investigating the allegations that Ahmadi used cocaine himself and if he used it on his patients. Hunt said Ahmadi agreed on Wednesday to close his office pending the outcome of the investigation.

Telephone calls to Ahmadi's Las Vegas office were not answered.

Laza said police found Ahmadi and Jennifer Bielat, 23, of Henderson, "passed out" in a silver 1999 Mercedes CL 500 alongside the highway.

A search of the vehicle turned up the cocaine plus 4.6 grams of a substance believed to be either opium or brown-tar heroin, drug paraphernalia and marijuana residue, he said. Police also seized $6,264 in cash found on Ahmadi.

Both Ahmadi and Bielat were charged with drug possession and transportation for sale, and with being under the influence of a controlled substance. Ahmadi was also charged with driving under the influence of a controlled substance, Laza said.

Ahmadi and Bielet were released later Dec. 15 or Dec. 16 after posting $15,000 bond each, he said.