The invention is directed to a drug delivery device for controlled release of a drug, comprising a core that has a cylindrical plug embedded therein; and a coating that at least partially surrounds the core. The core is comprised of a drug and excipients. The coating surrounding the core is essentially impermeable to the drug. The cylindrical plug, which is embedded in the core, may be hollow or solid. The drug delivery device enables zero-order drug release profiles as well as more complicated release profiles to be obtained. The invention is also directed to a method of making the drug delivery device.