Vancouver police are warning local drug users after a large quantity of potentially toxic drugs were stolen from separate pharmacies in the city.
Police say there is potential for serious harm if the drugs are used or mixed and are urging addicts to utilize the services of Insite, where medical personnel can answer questions and assist them.
"We are concerned there could be tragic results should someone use these," Const. Lindsey Houghton said in a release. "Life for drug users in the City of Vancouver may have become more dangerous."
Insite, Vancouver Coastal Health, the BC Ambulance Service and other organizations have been alerted about the thefts.
The first robbery occurred Friday morning in the 2000-block of Commercial Drive, where two men stole cash and drugs including Opium powder, Methadone powder, Dexedrine, Kadian, Supudol, Clonazepan, Temazepan, Percocet and others.
One suspect was described as an adult male, 5-10 tall, 170 lbs. with a medium build. He was wearing a black balaclava, green gloves, blue jeans, black work boots, a green jacket and holding a large kitchen knife.
The other was described as a white male, 5-6 tall, 160 lbs. and wearing a black balaclava, black gloves, blue jeans and a black jacket.
The second took place a half hour later in the 3000-block of Kingsway, where more cash and drugs -- including Oxycocet, Hyrdromorph, Codeine and Supendol -- were taken.
The suspect was described as a white male in his 20s, 5-10 tall, 160 lbs. with a dark blue bandana over his face, grey hoodie and black pants. He was also carrying a black garbage bag.
The final robbery happened at around 1:45 p.m. in the 3300-block of Maquinna Drive, where a suspect made off with heart and blood pressure medication and a small amount of cash.
The suspect was described as white man in his 20s, 5-10 tall with a slim build and apparent sores on his hands. He was wearing a white bandana, grey hoodie, black pants and white running shoes.
Anyone with information on the robberies or the location of the pharmaceuticals can contact Vancouver police or Crime Stoppers.
Police also urge anyone who sees someone in apparent medical distress to call 911 immediately.