Wairoa chemists may stop stocking flu medicine after P burglary

Wairoa's two pharmacies may stop stocking flu medicine containing pseudoephedrine, the product used to manufacture the drug P, after a burglary.

Ray Lyall Chemists in the Hawkes Bay town was broken into early on Wednesday.

Eight packets of Coldral, Coldrex, Robitussin and Dimetapp were stolen.

Police believe the offenders were from out of town.

Mr Lyall, who has run the chemist for 28 years, said the shop had been broken into several times, but this was the first time thieves had targeted drugs.

"It's a real shame. This P certainly is a problem."

He said he may now stop stocking pseudoephedrine products.

"That would be a shame because these products are so good for treating colds and sinus problems. I believe the drug companies are trying to find things that do the same things without pseudoephedrine," Mr Lyall said.

John Norvill, manager of the town's other chemist, Wairoa Pharmacy, said he may also stop stocking the products and order them as required instead.

He said his pharmacy had been broken into in October, but did not believe drugs had been the target.

Gisborne's 11 pharmacies stopped stocking the products six months ago, with break-ins dropping dramatically since then.

Hastings police believe there are up to 20 people trying to buy pills around the district to turn them into P, with packets that retailed for about $15 being sold for $80 or more.

- NZPA

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