Edmonton pharmacies alarmed over rise in prescription cough syrup thefts
Some local pharmacists are alarmed after at least six Edmonton pharmacies have been robbed of certain cough medications in the last two weeks.
Edmonton police say in every instance the target medications were Percocet, codeine, and cotridin – all also known as cough syrup.
CTV News Edmonton spoke with two of the pharmacies that were hit. Both declined interviews for fear of being robbed again.
Shamas Arshad recounted how he was working alone one evening in his south Edmonton pharmacy when three people barged in, one with a knife.
“One of the big guys, he grabbed me by the front of the neck and he asked me, ‘the Percocet, the cotridin, and the codeine,’” Arshad said.
Everything they wanted was in the pharmacy’s safe, he added. During the incident, Arshad said he was punched in the left ear and his hands were tied.
He recalled how one of the robbers who was holding the knife threatened him.
“He said, ‘We will slash your throat if you make a noise,’” Arshad added.
The thieves grabbed the narcotics and left. While Arshad was okay physically, he was forever scarred emotionally.
“It was quite traumatizing,” Arshad said, as he paused. “I can still feel those things.”
While Edmonton police declined to comment about why thieves are increasingly going after cough medication, some pharmacists who spoke with CTV News said they believe it could be connected to the ongoing opioid crisis.
- 'Drugs are killing our young people': South Sudanese community mourning opioid-related deaths
- Urgent need in Alberta to address potent drug supply, overdose crisis: health experts
- 'Keeping these people alive': A volunteer team works to reverse overdoses in Edmonton
- 'The need is still out there': Alberta Avenue responds to opioid crisis
Another theory pharmacists shared is that robbers are going after cotridin, or prescription cough syrup, because it is difficult to obtain.
Since July 1, 2020, to receive oral liquids containing codeine from a pharmacy, a triplicate prescription is needed. Those types of prescriptions are almost impossible to forge, pharmacists say.
Local pharmacists said they would see hundreds of prescriptions for cotridin. Since the change took effect last year, they’ve barely seen any.
“When we get a prescription for it, we make sure it’s the right prescription, it’s legitimate,” said Mohamed Elfishawi from Terwillegar Pharmacy. “Then we order it the next day.”
The Alberta Pharmacy Association says it is aware of “the increase in robberies” and is working with the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) on implementing prevention measures.
EPS encourages pharmacies to implement security measures like panic alarms, raised counters, and surveillance cameras.
Shamas, who was robbed back in February, says the cameras were not working. He’s convinced extra security and societal supports for those using the stolen cough syrups are the answers.
“Every problem has a solution,” he Shamas said. “It’s not like anyone’s fault, but it’s a whole society that should contribute.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.