Alberta police force wants some cough syrups behind store counters over misuse risk – CTV
February 28, 2026
TABER — Police in a southern Alberta community are asking retailers for help to curb crimes associated with over-the-counter cough syrup.
The Taber Police Service says in a statement posted to social media that it has been seeing an increase in thefts of cough syrup containing the drug dextromethorphan, or DXM.
It says police have also been responding to calls involving behaviours linked with the misuse of DXM.
In response, police are asking stores in Taber to consider placing products that contain DXM behind the counter, and to limit sales to just adults.
The Alberta College of Pharmacy says in an email that it is aware of the issue, and that it encourages pharmacies to take extra precautions in their storage and sale of products containing dextromethorphan.
