Pharmacist Removed from Register Due to Conviction for Illegal Drug Supply
Date of Decision: January 26, 2021
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- Supplying a Controlled Drug of Class C to another, between 1 February 2016 and 30 September 2016, contrary to section 4(3)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
- Supplying a Controlled Drug of Class B to another, between 23 May 2016 and 30 September 2016, contrary to section 4(3)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
- Selling or supplying a prescription only medicine not in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner, between 3 March 2016 and 30 September 2016, contrary to Regulation 214(1) and 255(1) and (2) of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
Outcome: Removed
GPhC Standards Breached:
- 1.6 Do your best to provide medicines and other professional services safely and when patients need them.
- 2.1 Consider and act in the best interests of individual patients and the public.
- 2.2 Make sure that your professional judgment is not affected by personal or organizational interests, incentives, targets or similar measures.
- 5.3 Apply your knowledge and skills appropriately to your practice.
- 6.1 Act with honesty and integrity to maintain public trust and confidence in your profession.
- 6.3 Avoid conflicts of interest and declare any personal or professional interests you have. Do not ask for or accept gifts, rewards or hospitality that may affect, or be seen to affect, your professional judgment.
- 6.5 Meet accepted standards of personal and professional conduct.
Case Summary
In a recent determination by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), a pharmacist was removed from the register following a conviction for the illegal supply of controlled drugs and prescription-only medicines. The case highlights serious breaches of professional standards and the pharmacist’s failure to uphold the integrity expected in the profession.
Allegations:
The pharmacist faced allegations of supplying controlled drugs of Class B and C, as well as selling prescription-only medicines without proper authorization. These activities occurred over several months in 2016 and were contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
Findings:
The pharmacist admitted to the allegations, and the panel found the facts proved. The investigation revealed that the pharmacist had been involved in the illegal supply of a significant quantity of drugs, which were diverted to the black market. The pharmacist’s actions were financially motivated, and he failed to obtain the necessary licenses for wholesale distribution.
GPhC Determination on Impairment:
The panel determined that the pharmacist’s fitness to practise was impaired due to the conviction. The pharmacist’s actions demonstrated a lack of insight, poor judgment, and a significant breach of trust. The panel expressed concerns about the risk of repetition and the potential harm to the public.
Sanction:
Given the seriousness of the misconduct, the panel concluded that removal from the register was the appropriate sanction. The pharmacist’s actions were fundamentally incompatible with remaining a registered professional, and a clear message needed to be sent to the profession and the public about the importance of maintaining professional standards.
Learning Points for Pharmacy Professionals:
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- Full allegations considered by the GPhC
- Panel findings and reasoning
- Outcome of the investigation
- Sanctions considered and imposed on the Pharmacist
- Key professional learning points
Original Case Document
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The original determination transcript is available to registered users.
- Download the official GPhC determination
- Full hearing transcript
- Detailed findings of fact
- Sanction reasoning
- Details of the pharmacy professionals involved