Although it may seem unlikely, controlled substance theft in pharmacies is very real and can have devastating operational, financial, and regulatory consequences. Pharmacies are frequently targeted due to the high demand for controlled substances, especially Schedule II medications. The ongoing opioid crisis has created dependency among millions of Americans, fueling a lucrative illegal market for diversion and resale.

In 2023 alone, the Drug Enforcement Administration received nearly 900 burglary reports involving the theft of controlled substances. These incidents impact far more than inventory. They trigger audits, DEA reporting requirements, and long recovery timelines for pharmacy teams that are already stretched thin. Read More >