Calgary police charge five youth in pharmacy robberies

Our officers have arrested and charged five youth believed to be involved in multiple pharmacy robberies last month.

On Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, at approximately 10 a.m., four suspects entered the Cranston Smart Drug Mart located at 35 Cranford Way S.E. where it is believed they intended to rob the pharmacy. However, the suspects fled the area before committing the robbery after store staff had called 9-1-1. 

About an hour later, police were called to the Oakridge Community Pharmacy, located at 3109 Palliser Drive S.W., for reports of a robbery. Four suspects demanded the pharmacist open the safe. As the pharmacist had just finished serving a customer, the safe was already unlocked. One of the suspects took the pharmacist into their office while the other three suspects removed narcotics from the safe. Though the suspects fled prior to police arrival, investigators believed the suspects were connected to the attempted robbery in Cranston based on witness information, including a description of a vehicle.

In an attempt to quickly locate the suspects, HAWCS was engaged and observed the suspect vehicle. Officers conducted a traffic stop and subsequently arrested the four suspects and the driver, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

All five accused are charged with multiple offences including robbery and wearing a disguise with intent. All the accused are scheduled to appear in court today, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the police non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. Tips can be left anonymously through Crime Stoppers through any one of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

APP: "P3 Tips"

CA22442437 / CA22442385/4747