NI Superintendent Pharmacist Struck Off After Diverting Massive Quantities of Controlled Drugs Including Tramadol, Diazepam and Zolpidem

Date of Decision: September 17, 2015

Registrant's Role: Pharmacist

Allegations:

• Between 14 August 2012 and 31 December 2013, the registrant supplied 59,477 Tramadol 50mg capsules without a prescription, contrary to Regulation 214 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
• Between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013, the registrant unlawfully supplied 152,640 Diazepam 5mg tablets, a controlled drug, contrary to section 4(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
• Between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013, the registrant unlawfully supplied 14,364 Diazepam 2mg tablets, contrary to section 4(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
• Between 14 August 2012 and 31 December 2013, the registrant supplied 24,622 Zopiclone 7.5mg tablets without a prescription, contrary to Regulation 214 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
• Between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013, the registrant unlawfully supplied 100,650 Zolpidem 10mg tablets, contrary to section 4(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
• Between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013, the registrant unlawfully supplied 29,197 Temazepam 10mg tablets, contrary to section 4(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
• Between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013, the registrant unlawfully supplied Sevredol (morphine sulfate), a Class A controlled drug, contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
• Between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013, the registrant unlawfully supplied Oxynorm (oxycodone), a Class A controlled drug, contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
• Between 1 January 2009 and 13 August 2012, the registrant supplied 85,626 Tramadol 50mg capsules as a Prescription Only Medicine without a valid prescription.
• The registrant failed to maintain an accurate Controlled Drug Register running balance for Schedule 2 drugs.
• The registrant destroyed Schedule 2 drugs without the presence of an authorised person.
• The registrant failed to cooperate properly or promptly with the Medicines Regulatory Group investigation and ignored action points issued by inspectors.
• The registrant failed to mark prescriptions with the date of supply at the time of dispensing.
• The registrant failed to dispense prescriptions in accordance with prescribers’ instructions.
• The registrant attempted to conceal discrepancies in controlled drug records by ordering large quantities of medicines from a wholesaler in England during the investigation.

Outcome: Erasure from the register (striking off).

GPhC Standards Breached:

• Standard 1 – Provide person-centred care and act in the best interests of patients.
• Standard 4 – Maintain, develop and use professional knowledge and skills appropriately.
• Standard 6 – Behave in a professional manner and uphold the reputation of the pharmacy profession.
• Standard 7 – Respect and maintain the public’s trust in pharmacy.
• Standard 8 – Speak up when there are concerns or when things go wrong.
• Standard 9 – Demonstrate leadership and accountability, particularly in supervisory roles.
• Standard 10 – Work effectively with regulators and comply with legal and professional requirements.

Case Summary