Menu
20/11/2024
Pharmacist Sentenced For Drug Offences
A 27-year-old pharmacist from Belfast has been sentenced to 180 hours of community service for unlawfully possessing and stealing controlled prescription drugs.
Adam Hanna pleaded guilty to charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Theft Act 1969. The offences took place at a North Belfast pharmacy between January and March 2024.
The Department of Health's Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) investigated the matter and uncovered evidence of Hanna's illegal activities.
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."
Adam Hanna pleaded guilty to charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Theft Act 1969. The offences took place at a North Belfast pharmacy between January and March 2024.
The Department of Health's Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) investigated the matter and uncovered evidence of Hanna's illegal activities.
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."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
02 November 2011
Dud Animal Medicines Seized In Co Antrim
Medicines Enforcement Officers have seized substantial quantities of unauthorised and illegal veterinary medicines from a residential property in Ballymena. The drugs haul, worth several thousand pounds, included veterinary antibiotics and other veterinary medicines intended for the treatment of large numbers of farm animals.
Dud Animal Medicines Seized In Co Antrim
Medicines Enforcement Officers have seized substantial quantities of unauthorised and illegal veterinary medicines from a residential property in Ballymena. The drugs haul, worth several thousand pounds, included veterinary antibiotics and other veterinary medicines intended for the treatment of large numbers of farm animals.
21 August 2024
Lisburn Woman Fined For Possession Of Unlicensed Prescription Medicines
A Lisburn woman has been fined for the possession of, and the unlawful advertising of, unlicensed prescription medicines. At Lisburn Magistrates' Court, Nadine Poole, of Whitehill Lodge, received fines totalling £600 after pleading guilty to six charges in breach of the Human Medicines Regulations, 2012.
Lisburn Woman Fined For Possession Of Unlicensed Prescription Medicines
A Lisburn woman has been fined for the possession of, and the unlawful advertising of, unlicensed prescription medicines. At Lisburn Magistrates' Court, Nadine Poole, of Whitehill Lodge, received fines totalling £600 after pleading guilty to six charges in breach of the Human Medicines Regulations, 2012.
21 November 2014
Department Of Health Warning Over Unregulated Drugs
The Department of Health has warned against the dangers of using medicines from unregulated sources. Enforcement officials from the Department's Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) were speaking following a two-day conference in Dublin called 'Ten Years of Combating Pharmaceutical Crime: Review and prospects'.
Department Of Health Warning Over Unregulated Drugs
The Department of Health has warned against the dangers of using medicines from unregulated sources. Enforcement officials from the Department's Medicines Regulatory Group (MRG) were speaking following a two-day conference in Dublin called 'Ten Years of Combating Pharmaceutical Crime: Review and prospects'.
18 October 2018
NI Pharmacist Fined As Unqualified Worker Distributes Strong Meds
A County Down pharmacist has been fined £25,000 for allowing an unqualified worker to supply prescription medication such as methadone and pregabalin. The crime at Gerard Maginn's Harts Pharmacy on Main Street, Newcastle, was discovered last year during an inspection audit.
NI Pharmacist Fined As Unqualified Worker Distributes Strong Meds
A County Down pharmacist has been fined £25,000 for allowing an unqualified worker to supply prescription medication such as methadone and pregabalin. The crime at Gerard Maginn's Harts Pharmacy on Main Street, Newcastle, was discovered last year during an inspection audit.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
