In general, the present invention is incorporated in a cam lock housing that is securable relative to a drawer or door. Coupled to the cam lock housing is an actuator package. The actuator package of this exemplary cam lock system can include a retractable geared plate or tongue, a micro gear motor, a controller, and a power system. In operation, the drive gear/pinion causes lateral displacement of tongue towards or away from a latch in order to lock or unlock the item. As such, a medicine cabinet (or similar), can be remotely locked or unlocked. Alternatively, rotation of a physical key within the cam lock rotates the cam lock housing and the tongue towards or away from a latch so that the cam lock can also be operated manually.