Pharmacist found guilty of selling drugs stolen from workplace

Individual sold pharmacy-only medications on TradeMe

BY Mika Pangilinan 23 Feb 2024

A pharmacist was found guilty of misappropriating medications from his workplace and selling them online.

During a hearing held earlier this week, the New Zealand Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal was told that Jayant Patel, 38, made $126,076 by stealing pharmacy-only medicines and selling them on the popular auction site, Trade Me, according to the New Zealand Herald.

The scheme lasted from January 2016 to April 2020, according to the agreed summary of facts heard by the tribunal, with Patel concealing his thefts by editing purchase orders to ensure that the extra stock was never recorded by the pharmacy.

Patel reportedly used two Trade Me accounts to sell various medications, including pharmacy-only products like allergy relief, anti-fungal treatments, and iron supplements. He also sold other general items such as dietary supplements, skincare products, and makeup, said the report.

The thefts were ultimately discovered by the pharmacy owner after he found an unaccounted surplus of smoking cessation lozenges. Further investigation identified Patel as the perpetrator, according to the New Zealand Herald.

Workplace thefts

Upon being confronted, Patel conceded to the thefts and reimbursed the pharmacy $100,000. He also admitted to exploiting his professional credentials to circumvent legal restrictions imposed on the sale of pharmacy-only medications.

Patel had already been convicted of theft by a person in a special relationship, according to the New Zealand Herald, resulting in a sentence of six months’ community detention.

At the hearing with the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, Patel was found guilty of two charges of professional misconduct bringing discredit to his profession.