A pharmacy technician has been removed from the professional register after being found guilty of smuggling drugs into a prison. Tanya Petrie, 61, was convicted of bringing in more than £20,000 worth of cocaine, synthetic drug spice, and tobacco concealed in her bra at HMP Bristol, where she was employed.

Petrie was caught after being observed retrieving a package from a bin near the prison. The package contained illicit substances intended for an inmate with whom she had developed a “flirtatious online relationship.” In addition to drug smuggling, she admitted to bringing in mobile phone SIM cards.

Following a jury trial, Petrie was sentenced in February to more than six years in prison. At the time of the offenses, she worked for Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, providing pharmacy services within the institution.

The General Pharmaceutical Council, which oversees pharmacy professionals' conduct, subsequently struck Petrie off the register. Joanna Bower, who chaired the disciplinary hearing, stated that Petrie’s conduct betrayed the trust placed in her and demonstrated a lack of integrity.

This case highlights concerns about the smuggling of contraband into correctional facilities and the challenges in safeguarding security and maintaining ethical standards among staff.