Pharmacist Removed from GPhC Register After Conviction for Fraud and Supplying Controlled Drugs

Date of Decision: April 14, 2023

Registrant's Role: Pharmacist

Allegations:

• On 13 September 2021, the pharmacist was convicted at Isleworth Crown Court of:
• Fraud by abuse of position, contrary to sections 1 and 4 of the Fraud Act 2006.
• Being concerned in supplying a controlled drug (Class B) contrary to section 4(3)(b) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
• The pharmacist supplied over 2,000 bottles of codeine linctus and Phenergan over a period of more than a year.
• Initially, the pharmacist refused sales but later complied after being coerced and threatened by a group of men who:
• Threatened harm to him and his family.
• Showed him weapons and warned that his family was under surveillance.
• After the employer confronted him about excessive stock orders, the pharmacist initially claimed the sales were legitimate before later admitting to being coerced.
• The pharmacist was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment (suspended for 18 months) and 200 hours of community service.

Outcome: Removal from the GPhC register

GPhC Standards Breached:

• Standard 2 – Work in Partnership with Others
• Standard 8 – Speak Up When Things Go Wrong
• Standard 9 – Demonstrate Leadership

Case Summary

Original Case Document