Metro area pharmacies hit 4 times by robbers since February

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.

• Armed robbers hit St. John's pharmacy, take narcotics and cash

"Very concerned.We're seeing an escalation in these types of activities in our community," said Glenda Power, executive director of thePhamacists'Association ofNewfoundlandand Labrador (PANL).

Pharmacies become targets due to the drugs they carry and the chance ofgetting 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 PANLto discuss pharmacy robberies, and she hopes the police canarrange an information session for their members.

"We're hearing that there are real emotional impacts on staff. Particularly if a robbery happens while apharmacyis staffed and open," she said.

"Those impacts I'm sure linger long past the event taking place."