Antrim pharmacist guilty of misappropriating over 25,000 diazepam tablets

A County Antrim pharmacist has been sentenced to 200 hours of community service after pleading guilty to unlawfully possessing and stealing controlled prescription drugs.

Aiden Graham, 40, of Red Row, Toomebridge, appeared at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court where he was sentenced under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Theft Act 1969 for offences committed between 2021 and 2024 while working in a County Antrim community pharmacy.

The case followed an investigation by the Department of Health’s Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG), which revealed that Mr Graham had misappropriated over 25,000 diazepam tablets during his employment.

Speaking after the sentencing, Peter Moore, Senior Medicines Enforcement Officer with the MRG, 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.”

Mr Moore confirmed the case has now been referred to the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland, the regulatory and professional body for pharmacists in Northern Ireland.

Aaron McKendry, Interim Head of the MRG, stressed the Department’s ongoing efforts to uphold pharmaceutical safety:

“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.”

The conviction highlights the importance of regulatory oversight in safeguarding public health and maintaining trust in the pharmacy profession.