Ex-Employee Suspected of Stealing Opioids from California Urgent Care Center

An urgent care center in Atascadero, CA has been robbed of hundreds of Norco (acetaminophen and hydrocodone) capsules, with a market value of more than $10,000—and the prime suspect is a former employee, according to police there. The drugs disappeared over a 2-year period, with the perpetrator altering patient records so it appeared the center needed greater quantities than were ultimately stocked. No arrests have been made, to date, but local police are working with the federal DEA on a case they expect will result in felony charges of embezzlement and altering patient medical records. It’s unclear whether the perpetrator absconded with the drugs for personal use, or to distribute them to other parties. Either way, the case is a reminder 1) to maintain strict medication management, both physically and via electronic systems and 2) that urgent care is a prime target for any number of individuals caught up in various aspects of the opioid addiction crisis in the U.S.