Boots Pharmacist Sanctioned for Theft of Controlled Drugs from Glasgow Pharmacy

Date of Decision: July 2, 2025

Registrant's Role: Pharmacist

Allegations:

• On 5 June 2020, took 200 tablets of Dihydrocodeine 30mg without prescription or authorisation.
• On 10 June 2020, took 100 tablets of Dihydrocodeine 30mg without prescription or authorisation.
• On 16 June 2020, took 200 tablets of Dihydrocodeine 30mg, 56 tablets of Diazepam 5mg, and 56 tablets of Zopiclone 7.5mg without prescription or authorisation.
• On 16 June 2020, labelled a prescription bag with these medications using her son's name.
• Incorrectly stated that the medications were creams for her son.
• Requested a colleague not to report the incident.
• Engaged in dishonest conduct in taking medications and providing misleading information.
• Sought to conceal her actions, demonstrating a lack of integrity.

Outcome: Conditions of practice order – 18 months with review

GPhC Standards Breached:

• Standard 1 – Provide person-centred care
• Standard 2 – Work in partnership with others
• Standard 3 – Communicate effectively
• Standard 6 – Behave professionally
• Standard 9 – Demonstrate leadership

Case Summary

Allegations

In a significant case before the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) Fitness to Practise Committee, a pharmacist faced serious allegations concerning the misappropriation of controlled prescription drugs from her workplace, Boots Pharmacy in Buchanan Galleries, Glasgow. The incidents took place across three separate dates in June 2020.

The registrant was accused of:

• Taking dihydrocodeine tablets on 5 and 10 June 2020 without any prescription or authorisation.
• On 16 June 2020, unlawfully taking 200 tablets of dihydrocodeine, along with 56 tablets each of diazepam and zopiclone—both Class C controlled drugs.
• Labelling the stolen medications with her son’s name and falsely claiming they were creams for him.
• Attempting to prevent a colleague from reporting the misconduct.

The registrant initially denied the theft on the first two dates but admitted to the events of 16 June 2020. The seriousness of these allegations, particularly given the nature of the substances involved—dihydrocodeine (an opioid), diazepam (a benzodiazepine), and zopiclone (a hypnotic)—highlighted significant concerns around controlled drug management, professional conduct, and patient safety.

Findings

The panel found all allegations proved. The facts showed a repeated pattern of dishonesty and concealment. CCTV footage and discrepancies in stock counts provided compelling evidence. The registrant’s explanations were found to be inconsistent and implausible. Notably, the panel stated:

“The Committee therefore consider this shows a degree of planning that is not consistent with how the Registrant has described her state of mind on the day.”

The panel concluded that the thefts were deliberate and dishonest. It also determined that the pharmacist had intended to mislead her colleagues by labelling the medication with her son’s name and requesting them not to report the incident.

GPhC Determination on Impairment

The Committee found that the registrant’s fitness to practise was impaired by reason of misconduct. While acknowledging her remorse and CPD efforts, the Committee concluded that insight into her wrongdoing was limited and untested, particularly as she did not give oral evidence at this stage. They noted:

• The misconduct was at the high end of seriousness.
• It involved repeated thefts of controlled drugs and deliberate dishonesty.
• While there had been no repetition, there was no concrete evidence she had faced similar challenges again or implemented safeguards.

The panel further noted that while the registrant had presented some reflective work, the lack of direct articulation of future prevention measures and support mechanisms raised concerns. Upholding professional standards and maintaining public confidence necessitated a finding of impairment.

Sanction

Despite the Council’s advocate recommending a 12-month suspension, the Committee imposed an 18-month conditions of practice order with a review. The decision acknowledged:

• The pharmacist’s willingness to comply with conditions.
• Continued employment and support from colleagues.
• No evidence of harm to patients.
• Strong testimonials about her integrity and clinical performance.

The conditions included disclosing the order to employers, compliance with support mechanisms, and notifying the GPhC of changes in employment or roles. An interim order was also imposed in identical terms.

The panel reasoned that suspension would not facilitate monitoring of future risk or demonstration of improved resilience, while conditions offered a structured path to remediation and oversight.

Key Learning Points for Pharmacy Professionals

1. Controlled Drug Governance is Critical: Pharmacists must strictly adhere to protocols for handling controlled drugs. Misappropriation, even under personal distress, is professionally and legally indefensible.
2. Honesty and Integrity Are Non-Negotiable: Attempting to conceal misconduct by labelling stolen medications under a family member’s name and misleading colleagues exacerbates the breach of trust.
3. Insight and Remediation Must Be Evident and Tested: Demonstrating awareness of the wrongdoing is essential. Regulators expect professionals to articulate how they will avoid future misconduct and ensure public safety.
4. Support Networks and Mental Health: Personal stressors were implicated in this case. Pharmacy professionals should be proactive in seeking help, using employer and professional support systems to manage stress or mental health challenges.
5. Reflective Practice is an Ongoing Commitment: Reflective CPD must be more than procedural—it should show meaningful self-assessment and commitment to behavioural change.

This case stands as a sobering reminder of the standards expected from pharmacy professionals and the serious consequences of breaching them.

Original Case Document

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