Shoppers Drug Mart installing time-delayed narcotic safes in all Ontario pharmacies

New initiative will help keep staff, customers, and communities safer

TORONTO, Nov. 23, 2022 /CNW/ - Today, Shoppers Drug Mart announced the ongoing rollout of time-delayed narcotic safes in all Shoppers Drug Mart locations and Loblaw pharmacies (in grocery stores like Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills) across the province.

"Time-delayed safes are already mandated in other provinces and are a proven deterrent in the reduction of narcotic thefts," said Dean Henrico, Senior Vice President, Asset Protection, Loblaw Companies Ltd. "This is another step we are taking to help protect our employees, our customers and our communities."

"Toronto Police have been responding to an increasing number of pharmacy robberies this year – more than 110 in 2022, compared to 49 last year," said Inspector Rich Harris of the Toronto Police Service's Hold Up Squad. "We welcome any measure, including the use of timed safes, to deter these robberies and to better protect employees and customers from these senseless acts of violence."

This new measure is only one of the many ways Loblaw has enhanced security measures at its stores, which already includes the use of technology that facilitates the identification of suspects who commit a criminal act, as well as overt and covert security resources.

About Shoppers Drug Mart Inc.       
Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. is one of the most recognized and trusted names in Canadian retailing. The company is the licensor of full-service retail drug stores operating under the name Shoppers Drug Mart® (Pharmaprix® in Québec). With almost 1,350 Shoppers Drug Mart® and Pharmaprix® stores operating in prime locations in each province and two territories, the company is one of the most convenient retailers in Canada. The company also licenses or owns 47 medical clinic pharmacies operating under the name Shoppers Simply Pharmacy® (Pharmaprix Simplement Santé® in Québec). As well, the company owns and operates 43 corporate Wellwise by Shoppers Drug Mart™ stores and an ecommerce site Wellwise.ca, making it the largest Canadian retailer of home health care products and services. In addition to its retail store network, the company owns the Medical Cannabis by Shoppers™ online platform for the sale of medical cannabis, Shoppers Drug Mart Specialty Health Network Inc., a provider of specialty drug distribution, pharmacy and comprehensive patient support services,  MediSystem Inc., a provider of pharmaceutical products and services to long-term care facilities and Lifemark Health Group, Canada's leading provider of outpatient physiotherapy, massage therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, mental health, and other ancillary rehabilitation services. Shoppers Drug Mart is an independent operating division of Loblaw Companies Limited.

SOURCE Shoppers Drug Mart

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