ST. LOUIS — It's been a big problem for independent, small pharmacies.
The Drug Enforcement Administration believes thieves are targeting these non-chain businesses out of greed, calling it a crime of opportunity.
On Thursday in the Metro East, two men from Ohio were sentenced to federal prison.
George Cunningham and Tarvin Hamler were charged for burglarizing several pharmacies of oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine pills with intent to illegally distribute the controlled substances.
According to court documents, the two targeted and entered pharmacies in multiple states, including Missouri and Illinois.
Documents described the pair breaking glass windows, prying open locked doors and stealing bulk quantities of narcotics from 2018 through 2020.
Cunningham was sentenced to 100 months and Hamler was sentenced to 96 months.
The United States Department of Justice also said two other co-defendants from Texas, McKindley Allen and Deleon Fontennet, also face federal charges for targeting pharmacies in Illinois and Missouri.
On Thursday, Allen pleaded guilty and his sentencing is scheduled in December.
These are examples of some cases the United States District Court has been tracking in connection to small pharmacy burglaries.
A family business
Court documents said Cunningham and Hamler entered Ladue Pharmacy in St. Louis County in 2020 with the intent to steal material containing a quantity of a controlled substance.
Ladue Pharmacy means family for Rick Williams.
His dad is the founder and Williams keeps it alive.
"Most of the community pharmacies are independently owned, family-owned businesses," Williams added.
That's why it cuts deeper when thieves target the family business.
Williams said, "Fortunately we haven't suffered in terms of great losses rather than a large break in 2001 when they cleaned us out."
Williams admits it's had its fair share of hits.
"The last one was in 2022 at our other location where they literally backed into the window with a van and fortunately didn't get away with anything, but it was damage," Williams pointed out.
Damage that can be detrimental.
DEA St. Louis Division Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dixon explained burglars are grabbing onto greed, snatching whatever substance is in sight.
"These organized groups are going to smaller non-chain pharmacies and creating havoc," Dixon added. "The hydrocodone, morphine and other substance drugs is what they're seeking. Every criminal leaves a trail and in today's society, everyone has a ring doorbell or some form of surveillance."
That's why Williams stepped up security. In front of the store and inside, surveillance cameras are lined up.
"We've completely revamped our security systems, it's much more challenging to get away with anything," Williams added.
He knows it's not just his store.
He shared, "Everything you hear about drug abuse and people are attempting, trying to get narcotics in any way they can, so it's front of mind."
As a business co-owner, Williams is proud. That's why aims to protect.
"Stay away from my store," Williams said with a laugh.
National problem
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said there's been an increase in burglaries at independent pharmacies across the country.
Nearly 900 burglaries involving theft of controlled substances were reported to DEA in 2023.
On Thursday afternoon, DEA’s Little Rock District Office held a news conference disclosing the largest case involving pharmacy burglaries in DEA history. It invovled a 21-month investigation into a Houston-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) targeting these small businesses.
It involves 42 defendants, 200 pharmacies across 31 states, including Missouri and Illinois.
The news release said oxycodone, hydrocodone, alprazolam, and promethazine with codeine cough syrup were among the most common controlled substances stolen and transported to Houston to be sold illegally.
The DEA estimates the street value of the stolen items is estimated to be $12 million.