Organized Theft Ring Hits Shoppers Drug Mart Stores Across Three Provinces
So here’s what’s been unfolding over the past few days, and it’s a story that’s catching a lot of attention across Canada. Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia have been targeted in what police are calling hundreds of organized retail thefts, all tied to a large and highly coordinated criminal operation.
According to investigators, this wasn’t random shoplifting or the kind of petty theft retailers usually deal with. Instead, it was described as a well-planned, multi-province operation that had been running for months. Police in Hamilton launched an investigation known as Project Sommes back in August, after a noticeable spike in thefts at local Shoppers Drug Mart stores. As the probe unfolded, it became clear that the suspects weren’t acting alone, and that the activity stretched far beyond one city or even one province.
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It’s alleged that crews moved quickly and deliberately inside stores, often during regular daytime hours. Items were reportedly concealed in specially designed bags or even hidden under clothing to avoid triggering security systems. The products taken were everyday items with strong resale value, things like razors, cosmetics, skincare products, nicotine gum, electric toothbrushes, and lip gloss. Over time, those small grabs added up in a big way.
Police say the stolen goods were funneled through a distribution network, eventually ending up with a man in Mississauga. From there, the merchandise was allegedly passed on to a large liquidation warehouse in Brampton and other wholesalers, where it was resold to buyers who may not have known where the products originally came from.
By the time search warrants were executed, investigators had recovered stolen property valued at more than one million dollars. Six vehicles were also seized, and 16 warrants were carried out across homes, commercial properties, and vehicles. In total, 21 people were arrested and are now facing 175 charges. Among those arrested were three youths, including two boys aged 15 and 17, and a 16-year-old girl.
Police also revealed that two suspects had recently flown to Vancouver to carry out a fresh wave of thefts before being arrested there and sent back to Ontario. What stood out to investigators was that many of the accused were already under release orders or had outstanding warrants at the time.
Authorities say the impact of this kind of organized retail crime goes far beyond store losses. It’s felt by communities through higher prices and reduced product availability. While investigations are still ongoing, police have made it clear that this case signals a tougher, more coordinated response to organized retail theft moving forward.
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