Drugs tampering
A member has reported that drugs kept on board were found to have been tampered with. The drug was either morphine or pethidine and was kept in a plastic ampoule. Someone used a small needle, inserted into the top cap of the ampoule (below the imprinted ‘twist arrow’). After either all or some of the drug had been removed, any shortfall was replaced with a clear liquid – the levels of tampered and non-tampered were the same. The hole was then covered with what looked like clear modellers glue.
Members may need to re-consider their own security arrangements. Wherever drugs are kept on board vessels or installations, security is paramount. Apart from serious concern over drugs going astray, the dangers of this sort of tampering are evident. It highlights that, at an inventory check, personnel need to give the ampoules more than just a cursory glance. Despite whatever security is in place, this incident underlines the extreme importance of carefully checking any medical supplies before use, especially drugs.
Safety Event
Published: 1 January 2002
Download: 
IMCA SF 01/02
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.
IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.