Latest robbery underscores risk to drug stores
CBC News
Posted: Aug 29, 2012 6:51 AM NT
Last Updated: Aug 30, 2012 6:12 AM NT
The Pharma Choice store on Campbell Avenue, near downtown St. John's, was robbed on Tuesday night. (CBC )
Don Rowe says some addicts become so desperate they will turn to crime to pay for a fix. (CBC )Police in St. John's are hunting for two men who stole cash and narcotics from a drug store, in a robbery that a professional group says illustrates the risks to pharmacists.
Two masked men robbed the Pharma Choice outlet on Campbell Avenue in St. John's at about 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary said that in addition to cash, the pair stole hundreds of pills, including many made with oxycodone.
Don Rowe, secretary-registrar of the Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board, said the spectre of violent crime is always a concern for pharmacy owners and staff.
"People perpetrating these incidents are probably addicted people who are in withdrawal and are desperate to do anything to get drugs or money to buy more drugs," Rowe told CBC news.
He said many pharmacies now stock only small quantities of narcotics to make themselves less of a target.
Police did not say what weapons the thieves used Tuesday.
The RNC also brought in a dog to search for the men, but did not find them.
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