Pharmacy theft a growing problem

Thefts of pharmaceuticals in transit to retail pharmacies have been on the rise over the past few years. While exact figures are unavailable, experts are alarmed by thefts of drugs from warehouses, shipping carrier distribution centers, and semi-trucks, despite numerous security and tracking measures.

Two high-profile episodes last year included the theft of numerous lots of Cymbalta, Prozac, and other medications from an Eli Lilly warehouse in Enfield, Conn., and the hijacking of a delivery truck carrying Ambien and other Sanofi-Aventis drugs in Puerto Rico. This spring, a truckload of azithromycin and other generic drugs was stolen from Greenstone LLC, a division of Pfizer, in transit to CVS.

"Pharmacists can make sure that if they were supposed to have 25 bottles of something, they have 25 bottles. Controlled substances, especially, should be closely watched, but Cialis and Viagra are targets too, because they can be sold on the black market," Burke said.

Keith Hodges, owner of Gloucester Pharmacy in Gloucester, Va., and spokesman for the "Safeguard My Meds" public awareness campaign, said that delivery drivers and pharmacists can help thwart drug robberies. "Drivers should use unmarked vehicles so [would-be thieves] do not know they are carrying medications. We also need to work with drivers and make sure they are trained to cooperate. Their safety is first and foremost," Hodges said.

Inside the pharmacy, he added, drug containers should be marked upon arrival. Gloucester Pharmacy uses a permanent marker to tag each bottle or container. "If they are taken onto the street, the police would be able trace the robbery back to the pharmacy," he said.