Pharmacist receives community service for unlawful possession and theft of diazepam
The unlawful activities occurred between 2021 and 2024 at a County Antrim pharmacy
A 40-year-old man was today sentenced at Ballymena Magistrates' Court for unlawfully possessing the controlled prescription medicine diazepam and for theft of the same drug.
Pharmacist Aiden Graham, of Red Row, Toomebridge, received 200 hours Community Service, having previously pleaded guilty to charges in breach of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Theft Act 1969.
The charges followed a Department of Health Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) investigation which established that the unlawful activities occurred between 2021 and 2024 at a County Antrim pharmacy where Graham was working as a pharmacist.
Peter Moore, the Medicines Regulatory Group Senior Medicines Enforcement Officer who directed the investigation said: “This investigation established that a pharmacist working within a community pharmacy misappropriated over 25,000 diazepam tablets. Today’s conviction sends a clear message that there are consequences for anyone involving themselves in this type of activity, irrespective of their position or occupation. Following today’s conviction, the matter will now be further referred to the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland, the regulatory and professional body for pharmacists in Northern Ireland.”
Aaron McKendry, Interim Head of the Medicines Regulatory Group, added: “The Department is committed to taking all possible steps to prevent this type of illegal activity. This conviction involved the blatant abuse of the privileged position of a pharmacist. People can be assured however that pharmacies in Northern Ireland are subject to regular Departmental inspection and compliance visits to ensure that they continue to operate safely and within the law”.