Pharmacist Suspended for 12 Months After Conviction for Supplying Controlled Drugs Without Proper Licensing
Date of Decision: March 21, 2023
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- The pharmacist was convicted at York Crown Court on 12 May 2022 of the following offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971:
- Supplying diazepam (Class C controlled drug) between January 2014 and April 2016.
- Supplying zopiclone (Class C controlled drug) between January 2014 and April 2016.
- Supplying zolpidem (Class C controlled drug) between February 2014 and April 2016.
- Supplying nitrazepam (Class C controlled drug) between May 2014 and April 2016.
- The pharmacist operated as a wholesaler of controlled drugs but did not hold the necessary Home Office Controlled Drugs Licence (HOCDL).
- He continued supplying controlled drugs despite knowing he lacked the required licensing, making over 70,000 boxes (almost 2 million tablets) of Class C controlled drugs available on the market.
Outcome: A 12-month suspension was imposed
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 6 – Behave in a Professional Manner
- Standard 9 – Demonstrate Leadership
Case Summary
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Fitness to Practise Committee investigated a pharmacist following his conviction for unlawfully supplying Class C controlled drugs.
Between January 2014 and April 2016, the pharmacist operated a wholesale business supplying diazepam, zopiclone, zolpidem, and nitrazepam. However:
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- Full allegations considered by the GPhC
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- Sanctions considered and imposed on the Pharmacist
- Key professional learning points
Original Case Document
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- Detailed findings of fact
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