Pharmacist Struck Off for Dishonest Destruction of 20 Million Diazepam Tablets and Unlawful Wholesale Stockpiling
Date of Decision: February 27, 2026
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- Between 2013 and 2016, the registrant purchased large quantities of Class C controlled drugs, including: Diazepam tablets (proved by admission); Zopiclone (proved by admission); Tramadol (not proved as large quantities)
- Purchased diazepam and zopiclone for onward wholesale purposes without holding the required MHRA Wholesale Dealer Authorisation (with narcotics endorsement) and Home Office Controlled Drugs Licence (proved).
- Destroyed unknown quantities of diazepam and zopiclone in an unsafe manner by: Failing to denature or render the medications safe prior to disposal (proved by admission); Shredding blister packs in a shredder (proved by admission); Discarding shredded medication and packaging in commercial waste bins and industrial skips (proved by admission); Acted dishonestly in destroying the medications to conceal possession of large quantities of controlled drugs from regulators (proved).
- Failed to ensure: The integrity of the legitimate supply chain when purchasing and destroying large quantities of controlled drugs (proved in part); The safety of the public when destroying large quantities of controlled drugs (proved).
- Failed to comply with requirements of the MHRA Wholesale Dealer’s Licence by: Not retaining required records (proved by admission); Not demonstrating products were obtained from authorised persons (proved by admission); Failing to implement and maintain an adequate quality system (proved by admission); Failing to verify brokers met regulatory requirements (proved by admission)
Outcome: Removal from the register (Struck Off) with immediate interim suspension
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 5 – Pharmacy professionals must use their professional judgement
- Standard 6 – Pharmacy professionals must behave in a professional manner
Case Summary
Allegations
This case concerned a pharmacist who operated two London pharmacies and held a Wholesale Dealer Authorisation for conventional medicines but not for controlled drugs. Between 2013 and 2016, the registrant purchased extraordinarily large quantities of Class C controlled drugs, primarily diazepam and zopiclone.
The evidence demonstrated that approximately 20 million diazepam tablets were purchased over the relevant period, with examples of monthly purchases reaching around 2.7 million tablets. Zopiclone was also acquired in substantial volumes. By contrast, approximately 19,690 tramadol tablets were purchased, which the Committee accepted reflected normal dispensing demand and did not constitute “large quantities.”
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