Perth pharmacist sacked after illegally dispensing herself a cocktail of drugs

A Perth pharmacist has been suspended for 10 months after being caught illegally dispensing a large volume of medication for personal use. Gemma Louise Latter, who worked at a Wizard Pharmacy in Carramar, created fraudulent records to secure nearly 300 pills between April 2024 and January 2025.

Investigations by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency revealed that Latter obtained schedule 8 controlled drugs, including tramadol and tapentadol, along with diazepam and zolpidem. She used the identity of an acquaintance to bypass standard prescription requirements and cover her actions.

The State Administrative Tribunal recently upheld the recommendation from the Pharmacy Board of Australia to suspend her from practice. The board noted that Latter never possessed a valid prescription for these medications during the period of her misconduct.

Following the completion of her 10-month suspension, Latter faces strict requirements to regain her professional standing. She must undertake six hours of one-on-one education focusing on ethical decision-making, proper record-keeping, and dispensing procedures. Additionally, she is required to participate in monthly mentoring sessions to address the gaps in her conduct.