Northland pharmacists are being hit hard in the pocket in their bid to stop over-the-counter drugs heading for the illegal methamphetamine trade.
In the latest of a string of chemist shop raids, a 22-year-old Whangarei man gashed his leg and required surgery to a 30cm wound.
Whangarei police and pharmacists joined forces
a year ago in a bid to control the sale of key ingredients in the manufacturing of methamphetamine - also known as speed or P.
But the strict regulations placed on those buying the medicines has increased the likelihood of pharmacies being burgled.
In the latest raids, several pharmacies were targeted on Monday.
For Otaika Pharmacy owner Vicki Hollings it was the third break-in in six months. "The break-ins have cost me at least $4000 and that's just to have the glass replaced," she said.
"I have put ethics before profit but it's costing us."
A 22-year-old Whangarei man was in hospital after a bungled chemist burglary left him with a 30cm wound to his leg.
Police said the man raided pharmacies in Tikipunga, Kensington and finally Otaika where he gashed his leg on broken glass about 1.30am on Monday.
Sergeant Graham Pugh said the man drove off after injuring himself but was found by a police patrol a short time later.
A small quantity of pseudoephedrine-based drugs were taken from Tikipunga and Otaika pharmacies.
The man was arrested and charged with failing to stop, dangerous driving, attempted burglary and two burglaries.
- NZPA
