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Antrim pharmacist Aiden Graham has been sentenced to 200 hours’ community service after pleading guilty to the theft and unlawful possession of diazepam.  

Mr Graham was sentenced yesterday at Ballymena Magistrates Court having submitted guilty pleas to charges of breaching the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Theft Act 1969. 

An investigation by the Department of Health’s Medicines Regulatory Group uncovered his illegal activities while working at a community pharmacy in Antrim between 2021 and 2024. 

Peter Moore, a senior medicines enforcement officer with the MRG, commented: “This investigation 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.”

Aaron McKendry, interim head of the MRG, 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.” 

Mr Graham has been suspended by the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland since May 2024 with a disciplinary hearing expected in the near future. 

On May 2 this year the PSNI reviewed his 18-month interim suspension order and concluded that it should “continue in the same terms, without modification or variation, for the remainder of the order”.