Pharmacy worker faces jail for stealing valium and prescription painkillers

Ann Marie Doyle, who was working as a drug dispenser at Tollcross Pharmacy, is due to be sentenced in the New Year

A senior pharmacy worker has appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court over a two-year drug racket at the chemist where she was employed.

Ann Marie Doyle, 44, from Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, pleaded guilty to a total of nine charges of stealing and being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs between February 2019 and December 2020, as reported by GlasgowTimes.

Doyle, who worked as a drug dispenser at Tollcross Pharmacy in Glasgow's East End, was caught after a colleague discovered boxes of tablets hidden in her handbag.

An investigation revealed that nearly 25,000 valium and prescription painkillers were unaccounted for.

Fiscal Lauren Sangray detailed the discovery, stating that the co-worker found Doyle's handbag sitting on a chair in a communal staff area, containing 10 boxes of diazepam, each with 28 tablets, wrapped in cellophane as delivered from suppliers.

The colleague then reported the incident to their boss, sparking a probe.

A pill audit was carried out and 12,333 diazepam tablets and 12,357 dihydrocodeine painkillers in various doses were found missing.

A search of Doyle's home led to the seizure of three mobile phones. A forensic examination of one phone revealed the 32 contacts looking to source drugs from her – including heroin.

The list of requested drugs included diazepam, dihydrocodeine, temazepam, morphine, diamorphine, fentanyl, pregabalin, and tramadol.

When police questioned her, Doyle initially denied any involvement, stating, “I do not know what to say to you. I know myself I did not do it.”

However, due to the "absence of a legitimate explanation,” the evidence suggested the onward sale of drugs.

No total value of the narcotics dealt was provided in court.

Doyle's lawyer, Patrick Brechany, explained that she was experiencing "financial problems" at the time which have now been dealt with.

Sentencing for Doyle, a mother of one, was deferred until next month, pending background reports by Sheriff Owen Mullan.

He said: "From a position of responsibility and trust you chose to sell drugs for profit."

Her bail was extended, and she is due to be sentenced in the New Year.