The new drug of choice is not an illicit substance found only in the dark alley ways and parts of town known for criminal activity. Instead the hottest craze can be found in the medicine cabinet of any suburban home with well manicured lawns and picturesque neighborhoods. Prescription drug abuse is rapidly becoming an epidemic that is manifesting related crimes in big cities and small towns alike. In order to support drug addictions, abusers are resorting to robbing pharmacies (at gun Point), raiding hospital medical supply closets, and has created a rise in employee theft.
The problem has become so pervasive that a number of local law enforcement agencies have assigned a special task force to focus exclusively on the matter of crimes associated with prescription drugs. In spite of budget shortfalls and mandatory furloughs, this issue demands the attention of employment and political leaders. The potential for harm is a continuous threat to both innocent citizens and to the individual committing the offense. The public is at risk when a would be robber needs a fix and decides to rob the local pharmacy for prescription drugs and cash. These facilities serve the public, many of them being seniors, in providing vital services designed to enhance quality of life – and even sustaining life in some instances. It is incredibly selfish that an individual or small group of people would jeopardize the lives and well being of so many people for a moment of instant gratification.
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