Canadian Pharmacist Acquitted on Charges of Selling Counterfeit NORVASC
Pharmacist Abadir Nasr was acquitted on February 28, 2007 on 12 criminal charges arising from his sale of counterfeit NORVASC blood pressure medication at a Canadian pharmacy. Nasr's acquittal has been cited by the Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Network (CACN) as "a striking example of the ineffectiveness of Canada's anti-counterfeiting regime."
Justice Richard Jennis acquitted Nasr after finding that that the Crown had not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that he knew he was selling counterfeit pharmaceuticals and, therefore, had formed the criminal intent required for a conviction. However, according to CACN, the evidence against Nasr included an admission by Nasr to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that he purchased some of the drugs under suspicious circumstances -- namely, from an individual in a white van who identified himself as a wholesaler from Vancouver and came into the pharmacy offering the products at discounted prices -- and testimony that readily distinguishable differences between the counterfeits and genuine NORVASC had been pointed out to Nasr by concerned customers.
As a Canadian pharmacist, I am disappointed with this ruling as I feel the case is a black mark to the profession. However, Nasr will be going before a pharmacy disciplinary board soon. While they cannot charge him criminally, they potentially could impose fines and take away his pharmacist license.
Abadir Nasr was treated leniently by the disciplinary board against the judgement of a number of panel members. People seem to forget that his actions were the probable cause of a number of deaths. He should never be allowed to practice his profession in Canada again. He has wormed his way through our terribly inept system. Shame on all involved.