Break-in & theft at pharmacy in Plains

PLAINS – Plains Drug and Andi’s Gift Store on Highway 200 in downtown Plains was broken into early Thursday morning resulting in the theft of a significant amount of drug products. A newspaper delivery person reported the break in to the Plains Police Department at 5:25 a.m. 

Authorities arrived to discover broken glass from the front entrance scattered on the sidewalk and upon further investigation determined a large amount of schedule II pharmaceuticals had been stolen. Schedule II drugs include methadone, oxycodone, Ritalin, Adderall, fentanyl and hydromorphone.

Owners Justin and Andi Holmes said it was the first break in they had suffered in the two years they have owned the business. About three hours after the report came in Justin Holmes stood outside awaiting the return of Plains Police while his wife was inside the premises attempting to determine the amount of drugs that were stolen. 

Sources at the scene said the  surveillance system did not capture the suspect on video.

Because of the nature of the product stolen, the owners will be required to file a report with the Drug Enforcement Agency. According to the DEA website, schedule II narcotics are considered to have a high potential for abuse possibly leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.

Plains Police Chief Shawn Emmett said there was little information available at this time. Chief Emmett said he was unsure if any other agencies such as the DEA would be involved in the investigation.

When reached for comment, the business owners said they had been advised not to release details about the break in. 

Chief Emmett said approximately $15,000 of merchandise with an estimated street value of over $60,000 was stolen from the store.