RCMP say the arrested five people and issued 43 tickets each worth $230 after a “Maskless Monday” protest at The Real Canadian Superstore in Kamloops.

“These have been occurring regularly but what was brought to our attention were the growing concerns about increased intimidation and escalation,” RCMP spokesperson Const. Crystal Evelyn said.

“Kamloops RCMP frontline officers did attend the store around 6 p.m. with the intent again of going and providing an educational approach but when that was unsuccessful the tickets were issued under the Emergency Programs Act, and the arrests were made when people failed to identify themselves or leave.”

In addition to those arrests, Evelyn says about 18 people were escorted out of the store without issue.

“We’ve always promoted an education first approach and that will continue,” RCMP Superintendent, Sydney Lecky said, in a statement. “In the past, some of these protestors were reportedly intimidating employees and customers, approaching people in the store and telling them to take off their mask.”

“We’ll do what we have to do, but we’ve always tried to show a measured approach.”

In a brief statement to NL News, Loblaws, the parent company of Superstore, said it does not condone these protests.

“While the majority of customers respect and comply with public health guidelines and store policies, the actions of these individuals is having a negative impact on our colleagues and customers and quite frankly, the community as a whole,” the statement said. “We are working closely with the RCMP to put an end to this.

“The government of British Columbia requires that masks be worn in all indoor public places, a policy with which we are both legally obligated and happy to comply with and expect our customers to do the same. We want to thank everyone who is working hard and doing their part to keep one another safe at this time.”

Evelyn says the people who were arrested were later released, pending an investigation and any charges that might be recommended.