Products that are easy to steal, the formation of specialized gangs in recent years, and a large black market in the country. Just these three factors are enough to understand the growing wave of thefts and robberies in pharmaceutical retail. Sekron Digital (https://sekrondigital.com.br), a reference in electronic security solutions and loss prevention present in about 5,000 retail points in the pharma channel, warns the sector about this wave of crime, which grew by about 200% in the first three months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with a special focus on high-value thermolabile medications such as Ozempic, Saxenda, and Wegovy, which top the list. The list now includes Monjauro, which has received the green light to be marketed in the country.
Sekron Digital argues that the use of cutting-edge technology and intelligent monitoring is now an essential measure for the sustainability of retail. “In recent months, we have observed an increase in cases of thefts and robberies targeting high-value medications, such as thermolabile drugs, with prices ranging between R$ 700 and R$ 1,900, which are sensitive and essential products for many health treatments,” says Rafael Bernardini, CEO of Sekron Digital. “They have high added value and, unfortunately, end up becoming targets for organized gangs,” he adds.
With the rise in crime, major players in the sector have announced adjustments to their loss prevention programs, such as storing high-risk products in acrylic cabinets and reducing their inventories, in addition to reinforcing the security team with patrols and increased monitoring at retail points. “Since these are high-value-added products, losses in cash terms exceed 800% in the first quarter,” argues Rafael Bernardini.
In pharmaceutical retail, losses in 2024 reached 1.25%, according to the 8th Retail Loss Survey in Brazil, conducted by the Brazilian Association of Loss Prevention (Abrappe) in partnership with KPMG, a percentage higher than the 0.90% recorded in 2023. The sector, driven by thefts of high-value medications like Ozempic and similar drugs, saw a 38.93% increase in total losses and a 29.02% increase in thefts.
Technology at the retailer’s disposal – In response to this scenario, Sekron has intensified its efforts in pharmaceutical retail with integrated solutions such as CCTV, artificial intelligence, and alarm systems connected in real time to monitoring centers. “We are integrating private camera systems with public video monitoring programs, such as SmartSampa in São Paulo and similar initiatives in other cities. This allows for a faster response from security forces and significantly increases the resolution rate of these crimes,” says Bernardini.
Additionally, as Sekron’s CEO explains, the company uses artificial intelligence applied to video to identify suspicious behavior, monitor store entry and exit flows, and generate real-time alerts—enabling action before a crime occurs. “Today, any attempt at criminal activity leaves traces: vehicle license plates, facial images, timestamps, routes. All of this is being analyzed by technology,” says the executive.
One of the most emblematic recent cases of this model’s success occurred in a joint operation that, based on images and alerts provided by Sekron’s monitoring platform, led to the identification and apprehension of a gang specialized in medication thefts in São Paulo. The operation enabled the recovery of approximately R$ 200,000 in stolen products, reinforcing the direct impact that intelligent monitoring can have on reducing losses and protecting retail assets.
“This operation was a turning point to show retailers that investing in prevention is not an expense—it’s business protection and a guarantee of competitiveness,” says Bernardini. He emphasizes that combating losses requires a set of coordinated strategies, from monitoring and access control in sensitive areas to preventive patrols and real-time data analysis for quick operational decisions.
Reduction in criminal activity – The message, according to Bernardini, is clear. “Criminals are being identified, tracked, and, in many cases, arrested thanks to technology and integration with public forces,” he says. “Our role is to ensure that these environments, which care for the health of the population, are increasingly protected and secure,” he adds.
“When a single stolen unit of Ozempic represents a loss of over R$ 1,000, it’s easy to understand how technology becomes essential to protect operations and retailers’ profit margins,” argues the executive. “Preventing losses should be a core strategy for any company. By reducing losses, retailers increase profits and ensure the sustainability of their business,” says Bernardini.
Among the most stolen thermolabile medications, Ozempic (priced between R$ 700 and R$ 1,300) leads the ranking, followed by Saxenda (between R$ 850 and R$ 1,000) and Wegovy (from R$ 900 to R$ 1,900). Monjauro, which has just obtained approval to be sold in the country, ranges from R$ 1,500 to R$ 4,000 per box.
