Sheriff warns of prescription drug thefts and abuse
September 27th, 2007The Sibley County Sheriff’s Office warns the public about the possibility of prescription medication theft and abuse.
Two incidents have been reported in Sibley County this past month.
On September 11, Paul Gould, 54, of Buffalo was arrested in Winthrop, after a Sibley County Drug Task Force investigation into prescription forgery.
On the date of the arrest, Gould was in possession of three different prescription medications: Diazepam, Temazepam, and Oxycodone. The investigation revealed that Gould had manufactured the prescriptions using a computer.
Gould has been charged with third degree possession of controlled substances and aggravated forgery.
On September 23, the Sibley County Sheriff’s Office investigated the theft of prescription drugs from two residences in Jessenland Township. The investigation revealed that a female acquaintance of the victims told people she was an elder caregiver and convinced them to allow her to go through their medication. After the person left the homes, the prescription pain medications were missing. Charges are expected to be filed this week.
According to Sheriff Bruce Ponath, people addicted to drugs will be resourceful in obtaining them. He advised residents to keep prescription pain medications in a place where only the prescribed person has access.
Among the most abused prescription medications are Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, which are narcotic pain killers, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
If you are, or know of someone that is addicted to pain medication and needs help, contact your physician. You may also call the Sibley County Sheriff’s Office or Sibley County Human Services for further help.
