British Columbia pharmacy closed amid investigation into drug distribution allegations

A South Vancouver pharmacy has been temporarily closed while a British Columbia regulator investigates a series of allegations including the “inappropriate” dispensing of narcotics.

The College of Pharmacists of British Columbia on Friday suspended Health Hub Pharmacy’s operating license pending the outcome of the investigation.

The registration of pharmacist manager Sukhpreet Singh Sidhu has also been suspended, meaning he is not allowed to practice as a pharmacist or work as a pharmacy manager anywhere in the province.

In a statement, Suzanne Solven, registrar and CEO of CPBC, called the allegations against the company “extremely serious”.

“If the pharmacy were to remain open, it would pose a significant risk to patients, the public and pharmacy staff,” Solven said.

The CPBC said it launched an investigation into the Fraser Street pharmacy after receiving concerning information from both Health Canada and Vancouver police.

“CPBC inspectors conducted an on-site inspection of the pharmacy and identified multiple alleged violations of legislation and standards of practice,” the college said in a press release.

According to the CPBC, the alleged violations involved “unsecured narcotics, improperly filling narcotic prescriptions, improperly dispensing narcotics, incomplete patient records, missing patient consultations, failure to adhere to opioid agonist treatment policies, and improperly using unregistered individuals in the dispensing and administration of opioid agonist treatment medications.”

CTV News called and visited Health Hub Pharmacy on Wednesday, but was unable to reach anyone for comment.

Police first raised concerns with the university after they pulled over the pharmacy’s delivery vehicle in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside in January and February.

In a statement, Sgt. Steve Addison said officers encountered an “individual engaged in activities consistent with dial-a-doping.”

“The individual was detected driving in Downtown Eastside with a variety of prescription medications, cash, drug paraphernalia, and weapons,” Addison told CTV News in an email. “The individual claimed to be an employee of a pharmacy and that he was making deliveries, however the male’s behavior was not consistent with what we know to be a legitimate delivery person.”

However, according to police, the incidents were not sufficient to warrant an arrest or a criminal investigation.

According to the CPBC, the pharmacy manager was previously investigated in 2020 for “similar concerns,” resulting in “commitments to comply with regulatory requirements in the future.”

The college said there is a need for privacy and fairness during the investigation process and that no further details will be provided unless there is “some additional significant risk of harm” to the public.