NI Pharmacist Struck Off After Cocaine Use and Diversion of 32,000+ Controlled Drug Tablets to Criminal Network
Date of Decision: October 3, 2019
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- That the registrant was convicted on 22 January 2019 at Laganside Crown Court of 13 offences contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and the Theft Act (NI) 1969, namely:
- Two offences of possession of controlled drugs (cocaine and diazepam) on 16 March 2016.
- Two offences of possession of cocaine between 14 April 2015 and 17 March 2016.
- Six offences of unlawful supply of controlled drugs (dihydrocodeine, diazepam and tramadol) between 14 April 2015 and 17 March 2016.
- Two offences of possession of pregabalin with intent to supply otherwise than in accordance with a prescription.
- One offence of theft of 32,358 tablets (pregabalin, dihydrocodeine, diazepam and tramadol) from her employer.
- That on 3 July 2019 she was sentenced to a determinate custodial sentence of two years’ imprisonment (one year in custody, one year on licence).
- That between 14 April 2015 and 17 March 2016 she obtained and consumed cocaine, a Class A controlled drug, while employed as a registered pharmacist.
- That her actions breached multiple principles and standards contained within the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland’s Code of Ethics (2009) and The Code: Professional Standards of Conduct, Ethics and Performance for Pharmacists in Northern Ireland (2016).
Outcome: Strike Off Order (with interim suspension pending appeal period)
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Principle 1 – Make the safety and welfare of patients your prime concern
- Principle 2 – Provide a Safe and Quality Service
- Principle 3 – Act with Professionalism and Integrity at all times
- Principle 4 – Exercise professional judgement in the interests of patients and the public
- Principle 6 – Maintain and develop professional knowledge and competence (including prompt disclosure of fitness to practise concerns)
- Principle 7 – Act with honesty and integrity
- Principle 8 – Provide a high standard of practice and care at all times
Case Summary
Allegations
This case concerned a registered pharmacist who was struck off following serious criminal convictions involving cocaine use, theft of prescription-only medicines, and the unlawful diversion and supply of controlled drugs.
The registrant had been employed across three community pharmacies in Belfast and worked as a relief manager and locum pharmacist. On 16 March 2016, she was arrested outside Cedar Pharmacy in connection with possession of a Class A controlled drug. Subsequent police investigations uncovered a sustained pattern of criminal conduct between April 2015 and March 2016.
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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
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