Memphis Police Investigate Sophisticated Pharmaceutical Theft from Hackbarth Delivery Services
Memphis, Tennessee – Authorities in Memphis are actively pursuing a group of individuals suspected of orchestrating a large-scale theft of prescription drugs from a local warehouse. The incident, which occurred on February 16th, involved at least twelve individuals and resulted in the loss of an estimated $250,000 worth of pharmaceuticals. The Memphis Police Department is seeking assistance from the public in identifying and apprehending the suspects.
The crime unfolded in the early morning hours at the Hackbarth Delivery Services warehouse, located in Memphis. According to police reports, a group of ten men arrived at the warehouse shortly before 2:15 a.m. Armed with a portable red Milwaukee saw, the group brazenly cut through a rear door of the facility, gaining access to the interior.
Once inside, the suspects wasted no time in locating and securing their target: a substantial quantity of prescription medications. They proceeded to fill multiple red, blue, and gray totes with the pharmaceuticals, as well as other products found within the warehouse. The specific types of medications stolen have not been disclosed, but authorities have clarified that the pharmaceuticals were not classified as Schedule I or Schedule II drugs, which are considered to have the highest potential for abuse and are subject to stricter regulations.
The initial group of ten suspects was not the only contingent involved in the criminal operation. At approximately 2:51 a.m., a man and a woman, who had apparently been waiting nearby, approached the warehouse on foot. After observing the initial group’s movements, they crossed the street and entered the facility themselves.
However, their presence did not go unnoticed for long. An alarm system at the warehouse was triggered, alerting law enforcement to the ongoing intrusion. Memphis police officers promptly responded to the scene, but upon their arrival, the suspects immediately fled the premises, avoiding immediate capture.
Despite the alarm and the arrival of police, the initial group of suspects demonstrated a remarkable level of audacity and determination. Undeterred by the near apprehension, they returned to the Hackbarth Delivery Services warehouse multiple times throughout the early morning hours. According to police, the suspects made repeated trips to the warehouse until approximately 6:35 a.m., each time extracting additional pharmaceuticals and other items.
Adding another layer of complexity to the investigation, police have revealed that two of the suspects were wearing distinctive clothing. These individuals were observed wearing black jackets with the word "Security" emblazoned in white across both the front and back. The significance of these jackets is currently under investigation. It is unclear whether the suspects legitimately worked as security personnel or whether the attire was a deliberate attempt to disguise their intentions and potentially mislead witnesses or law enforcement.
The suspects utilized a fleet of five vehicles to transport the stolen merchandise from the warehouse. Law enforcement is currently working to identify and locate these vehicles, as they may provide crucial clues regarding the suspects’ identities and whereabouts. The makes, models, and license plate numbers of the vehicles have not yet been released to the public, as investigators continue to gather information.
Authorities have indicated that a comprehensive inventory is currently underway to determine the precise quantity and value of the stolen drugs. While the initial estimate places the loss at approximately $250,000, the final figure may fluctuate as the inventory process progresses.
The Memphis Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding this crime to come forward and assist with the investigation. They are specifically appealing to individuals who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the vicinity of the Hackbarth Delivery Services warehouse on the night of February 15th or the early morning hours of February 16th. Any details, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could potentially prove valuable in identifying and apprehending the suspects.
Citizens with information are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-2274. Crime Stoppers offers a confidential and anonymous platform for individuals to provide tips to law enforcement. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.
The theft from Hackbarth Delivery Services has raised concerns about the security of pharmaceutical warehouses and the potential for stolen medications to be diverted into the illicit market. Law enforcement officials are working to determine whether this incident is an isolated occurrence or part of a larger pattern of organized crime targeting pharmaceutical distribution centers.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Memphis Police Department is committed to bringing the perpetrators of this crime to justice. The successful resolution of this case will not only recover the stolen pharmaceuticals but also send a clear message that such brazen acts of theft will not be tolerated in the city of Memphis.
