NI Pharmacist Suspended for Theft of Controlled Drugs from McKenzie’s Pharmacy

Date of Decision: September 2, 2025

Registrant's Role: Pharmacist

Allegations:

Unlawful possession of prescription-only medications (including controlled drugs) without valid prescriptions
Failure to record transactions of misappropriated medications
Abuse of professional position to obtain medication not available to the public without a prescription
Failure to report circumstances affecting fitness to practise to the regulator
Convictions for possession of Class C controlled drugs (Pregabalin, Diazepam)
Conviction for theft of medications belonging to his employer

Outcome: 9-month suspension from the register

GPhC Standards Breached:

Standard 1 – Provide person-centred care
Standard 2 – Work in partnership with others
Standard 3 – Communicate effectively
Standard 4 – Maintain, develop and use your professional knowledge and skills
Standard 6 – Behave in a professional manner
Standard 9 – Demonstrate leadership

Case Summary

Allegations

The case concerned serious allegations of misconduct against a registered pharmacist who was employed at McKenzie’s Pharmacy, North Queen Street, Belfast. The core of the misconduct related to the unlawful misappropriation and possession of prescription-only and controlled drugs for personal use, and the failure to report these activities to the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Between January and March 2024, the registrant unlawfully took several medications from the pharmacy, including Pregabalin 300mg, Diazepam 5mg, Codeine 30mg, and Co-codamol 30/500mg, all without a valid prescription. Notably, these medications are not only prescription-only but also fall under Class C controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

The registrant did not record any of these transactions, thereby failing to comply with pharmacy procedural and legal requirements. His actions were discovered after he was caught on CCTV taking Pregabalin, and upon being confronted by his employer, he admitted to taking several other drugs.

He was summarily dismissed, and the matter was reported to the PSNI, Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG), and the Police. The registrant was later convicted of three criminal offences related to the possession of controlled drugs and theft and received a 180-hour Community Service Order.

Findings

The Statutory Committee accepted the registrant’s full admission of the facts and misconduct. It found that his actions were dishonest, constituted an abuse of trust, and occurred over multiple instances during a six-week period. The registrant admitted that he had been regularly taking Codeine tablets since January 2024.

In assessing the facts, the Committee recognised that:

The registrant stole from his workplace repeatedly.
He failed to report his misconduct until he was caught.
He held a position of trust as a pharmacist and abused it.
His conduct led to criminal convictions.
No prescriptions were available for any of the medications taken.
No records were made of the unauthorised transactions.

The Committee viewed these actions as seriously undermining the standards expected of a pharmacy professional.

GPhC Determination on Impairment

The panel determined that the registrant’s fitness to practise was currently impaired. It cited the criteria under Regulation 4(2) of the Fitness to Practise and Disqualification Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012, noting that his conduct:

Presented an actual or potential risk to the public.
Brought the profession into disrepute.
Breached core professional standards.

While acknowledging the registrant’s remorse and cooperation with all investigations, the Committee was concerned about the registrant’s limited insight, especially the absence of initial reflection on the potential risks to patient safety.

“The Committee are clear that the wider public interest dictates that there should be a finding of current impairment in this case.”

Sanction

After considering all available sanctions and relevant case law on dishonesty in healthcare professionals, the Committee decided to impose a 9-month suspension from the register. While erasure was considered, the Committee concluded that the registrant’s behaviour, although dishonest, was not fundamentally incompatible with continued registration.

Key factors influencing this decision included:

The dishonesty was not financially motivated.
The registrant did not seek to conceal the misconduct once discovered.
He has shown developing insight and expressed genuine remorse.
He voluntarily ceased practising pharmacy and sought employment in a school setting, where he has since thrived.
He cooperated fully with all investigations and accepted all findings.

However, the Committee also noted several aggravating factors:

A pattern of dishonest behaviour over several weeks.
Abuse of position.
Delayed full disclosure of the scope of his misconduct.

As a condition of the suspension, the registrant was encouraged to produce a further reflective piece and to follow specific recommendations before his review in nine months.

Key Learning Points for Pharmacy Professionals

Controlled Drug Governance is Critical: Pharmacists must adhere strictly to controlled drug handling procedures. Any unauthorised possession or failure to document such drugs can result in criminal prosecution and regulatory action.
Timely Self-Reporting Matters: Fitness to Practise standards require registrants to report circumstances that may impact their professional standing. Delay or failure to do so significantly aggravates misconduct.
Insight and Remediation Influence Sanctions: Although dishonesty typically warrants erasure, early admissions, genuine remorse, and evidence of rehabilitation can mitigate outcomes.
Professional Boundaries and Integrity: Abuse of access to medication, especially when linked to personal use, undermines the trust placed in pharmacists and erodes public confidence in the profession.
The Role of the Regulator is Protective, Not Punitive: The PSNI and other regulatory bodies focus on public protection and upholding standards, not on punishing individuals. Sanctions are proportionate to ensure safety and maintain confidence in the profession.

This case serves as a stark reminder that personal challenges must never interfere with professional responsibilities. Pharmacists must seek support proactively and never allow personal use or dependence on medication to compromise patient safety, legal obligations, or public trust.

Original Case Document

The full determination transcript is available to logged in users.