Police concerned about theft of deadly prescription drug

A warrant has been issued for a suspect after a large quantity of OxyContin tablets were allegedly stolen from a local business. The tablets are so potent, that even a single pill could be deadly.

The theft happened on August 26th at a business in the city's west end. Police were able to identify a suspect from the surveillance video shot by the business.

Police are now looking for help from the public to locate Mahamed Aden Hassan, 24. He is described as being 5’10” tall and approximately 185 lbs., with brown eyes and black hair. Hassan is wanted on the charge of break and enter and commit theft.

Anyone with information on Hassan’s whereabouts is asked to call the Edmonton Police Service non-emergency line at 780-423-4567 immediately or Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-8477, or at www.tipsubmit.com.

Detectives believe that the drugs, if sold, have an estimated value between $150,000 and $250,000. The Edmonton Drug and Gang Enforcement Unit is aware of the file.

“The EPS has concern for the public's safety in relation to the stolen prescription drugs,” says Det. Ryan Tebb of West Division said in a news release. “OxyContin is a commonly abused prescription pill, but the extremely high dosage of the pills that were stolen is the concerning factor. Consumption of a single pill at this dosage could depress the respiratory system sufficiently to possibly cause death.”

While thefts of this type are apparently becoming more common in our city, pharmacists are taking steps to help curb the problem. Some pharmacies have gone as far as to only fill prescriptions for OxyContin by special order, and most are putting up signs stating that the drug is not kept on the premises.

One pharmacy owner in our city says his store has been robbed three times in five weeks. He has now installed security cameras and a new lock system to help deter theives.