NI Pharmacist Struck Off After 25,000 Diazepam Tablets Went Missing Over Three Years

Date of Decision: April 16, 2026

Registrant's Role: Pharmacist

Allegations:

• Conviction for unlawful possession of a Class C controlled drug, namely diazepam, between 1 January 2021 and 21 March 2024.
• Conviction for theft of diazepam tablets belonging to the pharmacy employer during the same period.
• Unlawfully obtaining diazepam for the registrant’s own use or another’s use without a valid prescription, without making a supply record, and where the supply was not clinically appropriate.
• Abusing the position of pharmacist and pharmacy practice manager to obtain diazepam, a prescription only medicine and Class C controlled drug, unlawfully.
• Failing, while acting as Responsible Pharmacist, to ensure the safe and effective supply of diazepam from retail pharmacy premises.
• Unlawfully obtaining diazepam from the pharmacy with intent to sell, supply, distribute, or divert it for use by others.
• Obtaining diazepam in such quantities and circumstances that it could not credibly have been only for personal use, and causing, allowing, or permitting its sale, supply, distribution, or diversion to others.

Outcome: Removal of the registrant’s name from the register. An interim suspension was also imposed for the 28-day appeal period, or until any appeal is finally disposed of.

GPhC Standards Breached:

• Standard 2.1.1 – Promote and ensure the safe, effective and rational use of medicines, medicinal products and therapies.
• Standard 2.1.2 – Effectively control and manage the sale or supply of medicinal and related products paying particular attention to those with a potential for abuse or dependency.
• Standard 2.1.6 – Ensure that you do not, whether by your actions or omissions, create a risk to patient care or public safety.
• Standard 2.1.11 – Avoid treating yourself or anyone with whom you have a close personal relationship except for minor ailments or in an emergency.
• Standard 2.1.12 – Ensure you are aware of and adhere to all relevant legislation, and all current standards and guidance which apply to your practice.
• Standard 2.3.1 – Complete records promptly or as soon as reasonably practicable after the patient intervention or activity has occurred.
• Standard 3.1.1 – Adhere to accepted and acceptable standards of personal and professional conduct at all times both inside and outside your work environment.
• Standard 3.1.2 – Maintain public trust and confidence in your profession by acting with honesty and integrity in your dealings with others. This applies to your professional, business and educational activities.
• Standard 3.1.6 – Promptly inform the regulator, your employer and other relevant authorities of any circumstances that may call into question your fitness to practise or has the potential to bring the profession of pharmacy into disrepute.

Case Summary

Original Case Document