Metro area pharmacies hit 4 times by robbers since February
'Real emotional impacts on staff,' says pharmacy association
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has been called to four armed robberies at pharmacies in the St. John's metro area in the last three months.
"Very concerned. We're seeing an escalation in these types of activities in our community," said Glenda Power, executive director of the Phamacists' Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (PANL).
Pharmacies become targets due to the drugs they carry and the chance of getting money.
Two people held up Shoppers Drug Mart on Empire Avenue on May 12.
In late April, the RNC issued an advisory after drugs such as Oxycodone, morphine and fentanyl were stolen from Green's Drug Mart in Conception Bay South.
Power said the RNC approached PANL to discuss pharmacy robberies, and she hopes the police can arrange an information session for their members.
"We're hearing that there are real emotional impacts on staff. Particularly if a robbery happens while a pharmacy is staffed and open," she said.
"Those impacts I'm sure linger long past the event taking place."