Insufficient evidence to proceed with charges in Janeway children’s hospital drug theft

Police in Newfoundland and Labrador say they have finished their investigation into a break and enter and theft of an unknown amount of narcotics from a children’s hospital in the capital city. 

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary confirmed for CBC News that police were called to the Janeway Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre around 7 a.m. on June 30.

Const. James Cadigan said the break and enter happened at a pharmaceutical cabinet containing narcotics. He said he could not confirm whether or not more than one cabinet was targeted, and did not provide details on the amount of drugs taken. 

The RNC said its investigation has now concluded and there was insufficient evidence to proceed with charges.

Records obtained by CBC News through access to information suggest this is not the only time law enforcement has gotten involved when drugs went missing from a health facility in the province.

And the Janeway narcotics are far from the only drugs on the missing list from institutions that provide health care, including long-term care and correctional centres.

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services did not notify the public about the Janeway theft.

However, in an email sent to employees on July 7 and obtained by CBC News, hospital management acknowledged there were concerns surrounding safety and security.

“We understand your worries about the recent incidents and ongoing investigations within the building,” said the email sent from Janeway management.

“Please know that we take your concerns regarding these issues very seriously.”

The email noted that security had been increased, “along with enhanced surveillance methods in multiple locations.”

The email did not specify details of those incidents and investigations.

CBC News requested data through access to information on the number of reported controlled drug losses at health facilities across Newfoundland and Labrador, from 2020 to mid-August of this year.

The data shows there have been at least 98 instances of missing medication, though in some cases multiple medications were reported missing on the same date at the same facility.