Druggists warned as desperate OxyContin addicts turn to robbery to feed habit

**Nate** · #1 07-28-2010, 08:38 AM

Druggists warned as desperate OxyContin addicts turn to robbery to feed habit

Caution comes after Calgary man handed eight-year sentence for robbery spree

By Daryl Slade, Calgary Herald July 20, 2010
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With a rising number of robberies by addicts desperately seeking OxyContin, drug stores are warned to be vigilant and prepare a plan for "crisis situations," says the group representing pharmacists.
Cynthia Rousseau, spokeswoman for the Alberta Pharmacists Association, said the group is concerned about its members following a spate of holdups by robbers wanting to feed their addiction to the potent painkiller. OxyContin has been dubbed "Hillbilly Heroin" because it's cheap and produces a high similar to heroin.
"OxyContin does seem to be the drug of choice when it comes to robberies," said Rousseau, whose group represents about half of Alberta's 4,000 pharmacists.
"Of course, safety is our No. 1 priority. Our message to pharmacists is to plan how they'll react in crisis situations and protect themselves and staff from personal injury. It's similar to what they'd do in bank robberies. You can replace the drug, but you can't replace the people."
Rousseau's comments came as 31-year-old Cory Alan Sharlow was handed an eight-year sentence on Monday for robberies he committed during a month-long spree last fall to feed a spiralling drug habit. He also stole cars to use as getaway vehicles.
"Your case is one of those distressing cases where an addiction dictates your actions," provincial court Judge Anne Brown told Sharlow. "The only way to denounce your conduct is to have a lengthy sentence. You leave the court no option."..."

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Druggists+warned+desperate+OxyContin+addicts+turn+ robbery+feed+habit/3298067/story.html#ixzz0uypH13NI

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