Belfast Pharmacist receives 180 hours Community Service Order for unlawful possession and theft of controlled prescription medicines

A 27-year-old Belfast man was today sentenced at Belfast Magistrates Court for unlawfully possessing the controlled prescription medicines pregabalin and diazepam and for theft of pregabalin, diazepam, co-codamol and codeine phosphate.

Pharmacist Adam Hanna received 180 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 at a North Belfast pharmacy where Adam Hanna was working between January and March 2024.

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 abused his position of trust to misappropriate and unlawfully possess controlled drugs from his employer. 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."

Canice Ward, Head of the Medicines Regulatory Group, added: "The Department is committed to taking all possible steps to combat this type of illegal activity wherever it may be occurring. 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."