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A Queensland pharmacist has avoided jailtime after stealing thousands of controlled drugs while on the job
Jason David Meiers, 44, recently fronted Hervey Bay Magistrates Court where it was revealed he stole controlled drugs while working as a pharmacist in Maryborough, reports the Fraser Coast Chronicle.
In May this year, pharmacy staff had begun to notice controlled drugs that had been ordered through a wholesaler weren’t listed in pharmacy records, the court heard.
A full audit revealed from January 2015 to May 2017, a total of 29,124 tablets including oxycodone and dextroamphetamine, as well as 85 patches, went missing.
The wholesale price for the missing drugs totalled $20,747.58
Mr Meiers was suspended by AHPRA in July and prohibited from practicing as a pharmacist for the duration of the suspension.
He pleaded guilty to stealing by clerk and fraudulently falsifying a record.
In court, Mr Meiers admitted to stealing the drugs for personal use, and tampering with the controlled drug book to conceal the theft of the items.
He had paid the amount owed for the missing drugs in full, according to a police spokesperson.
The presiding magistrate said due to the seriousness of the offense, a period of 18-months imprisonment was necessary.
However the period of imprisonment was wholly suspended and will remain for three years.