Alberta pharmacists scramble with rising prescription forgery attempts in first half of 2026

Alberta pharmacies are seeing a sharp rise in prescription forgery attempts, and some pharmacists say the problem is becoming increasingly difficult to manage as counterfeits grow more sophisticated.

The Alberta College of Pharmacy recently notified members that forgery attempts are on the rise. "There has been a continued trend of increased forgery attempts across the province in the first half of 2026," the College stated.

Calgary Police Service has received 35 reports of attempted prescription fraud so far this year — 25 per cent more than the entire year of 2025. In 18 of this year's cases, prescription drugs were actually dispensed.

At Edgemont Family Pharmacy in Calgary, co-owner Wessam Sakr has dealt with his share of counterfeits. "It has become a more frequent issue in community pharmacy now," he said. "Unfortunately, now it's also getting more sophisticated. They are getting very good at making it look legitimate."

Forgeries are often sent by fax or arrive on stolen prescription pads that are part of Alberta's Tracked Prescription Program used for drugs prone to abuse. Sakr's team spends significant time tracking down the prescriber to verify legitimacy. "When we find out that it's forged, we keep documenting and reporting it. That takes time from the staff. Reporting it and communicating with law enforcement also takes time," he said.

According to the College, there were 188 forgeries reported in 2024, 149 in 2025, and 132 already during the first half of 2026. Statistics show forgery reports have fluctuated in recent years, reaching a high of 343 in 2019.

Police in both Calgary and Edmonton are urging pharmacists to report every attempt, successful or not. "We know prescription fraud happens far more frequently than is reported, however, and urge pharmacists to report every attempt," a CPS spokesperson said.