With robberies on the rise across Los Angeles, a Korean American-owned pharmacy in Koreatown was recently robbed.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed that the robbery occurred around 4:20 a.m. on August 18 at G Pharmacy Group, situated at the intersection of South Virgil Avenue and 5th Street.
“A thief shattered a window to gain entry into the pharmacy and made off with various drugs,” reported Mr. Song, owner of a neighboring security company, in a statement to the Korea Daily on August 25. “There are indications that the stolen drugs might be used in the production of illegal substances.”
An on-duty security guard from an opposite building remarked, “By the time I began my shift around 5 a.m., the robbery had already occurred,” adding that LAPD officers were actively investigating at the site.
Details remain hazy regarding potential suspects or the extent of damages. However, the incident at G Pharmacy Group is among a spate of recent pharmacy heists, heightening concerns about the safety in Koreatown.
Earlier this month, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department arrested three individuals in connection with a series of robberies at Rite Aid stores throughout Los Angeles, spanning locations like Thousand Oaks and Camarillo. These suspects were caught with bags full of stolen merchandise, with items valued at approximately $6,000 discovered in their vehicle.
Major chain pharmacies, including Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid, are adopting innovative anti-theft measures, such as specialized shelving units.
Authorities highlight the allure of small, high-value items stocked by pharmacies for potential thieves.
In a startling revelation, 2020 saw a significant spike in pharmacy thefts, with 177 incidents reported across just Los Angeles and Riverside counties within a span of six months. This surge coincided with the Black Lives Matter protests.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has previously warned about the dangers associated with the illicit resale of stolen pharmaceuticals, emphasizing the significant street value of these drugs and the inherent risks they pose when distributed outside regulated channels.
By SUAH JANG, YEJIN KIM
[jang.suah@koreadaily.com, kim.yejin3@koreadaily.com]
