Partnership's Goal Is to Stop Drug Theft

Cincinnati Crime Stoppers and PurduePharma have joined forces tothwart pharmacy crimes across theUnited States. A $10,000 grant fromPurdue will allow Cincinnati CrimeStoppers to provide crime alert outreachesto US areas without localCrime Stoppers chapters. The collaborationbetween Purdue, which distributesthe pain medicine OxyContin(oxycodone HCl controlled-release)Tablets, and the Cincinnati CrimeStoppers expands on Purdue's continuousefforts with local Crime Stopperschapters around the country.

"Through this partnership, we hopeto ensure the availability of importantmedicines for patients, protect pharmacyemployees, and prevent criminalsfrom restricting health careoptions for legitimate patients inneed," said Aaron Graham, chief securityofficer and vice president of corporatesecurity for Purdue.

In communities without a localCrime Stoppers chapter, residents cancall 877-4Rx-TIPS (877-479-8477) toreport anonymous tips regarding thetheft of controlled substances frompharmacies. All tips will be taken by theCincinnati Crime Stoppers chapter andrelayed to police officials in the municipalitywhere the crime is being reported.Rewards will be paid based on successfularrests. To date, Purdue has beenworking with 13 local Crime Stopperschapters nationwide to offer $1000rewards for information leading to thearrest of individuals stealing controlledsubstances from pharmacies.