Alberta pharmacist fined nearly $40K, unable to practice for unprofessional conduct

A Red Deer pharmacist was fined and is no longer to practice after being caught filling prescriptions and diverting them for personal use. (Bloomberg) (Bloomberg Creative Photos/Bloomberg)

A pharmacist from Red Deer, Alta., is no longer allowed to practice after being caught filling prescriptions and diverting them for personal use.

Michael Tweedy was also found to be diverting drugs, including amphetamines and hypnotics, by creating false pharmacy records, the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) said.

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The central Alberta man did not cooperate with the ACP in its investigation, resulting in an additional charge of unprofessional conduct.

Tweedy is no longer able to practice as a pharmacist in Alberta, said a statement from the ACP issued Wednesday.

As a result of his misconduct, Tweedy is to pay a $10,000 fine within three months as well as over $28,000 to cover the costs of the investigation and hearing.

He is also prohibited from serving as a pharmacy licensee, proprietor or owner for 10 years.

“Mr. Tweedy’s conduct was dishonest, deceptive, created a risk to public safety by creating false records and putting controlled drugs at risk for potential misuse,” said the ACP. “Additionally, it threatened the public’s perception of the profession’s integrity.”