Suspects Sought In Pharmacy Hold-Ups

LANDENBERG, Pa. - Police are searching for the men responsible for a string of pharmacy hold-ups.

The three men, caught on surveillance tape, are considered armed and dangerous.

Police say the suspects aren't interested in money only the powerful prescription drugs Oxycodone and OxyContin.

Slideshow: Images Of Suspects

The string of robberies began at a drug store in New Garden Township, a fairly remote area in Southern Chester County, near the state line, reported Fox 29's Claudia Gomez. The robbers struck there twice before moving into Delaware.

The armed suspects have carried out seven robberies at pharmacies so far this summer, say police.

"One subject approaches the counter, threatens the clerk with a handgun and demands narcotics,” says Corporal Jeff Whitmarsh of Delaware State Police.

The other man waited outside in the getaway car. They take turns robbing the stores, but their mission is always the same.

"They're specifically looking for Oxycodone and OxyContin and what have you, these high-potent street level drugs that you can easily sell for $10, $20, $30 a pill on the street," says says Corporal Whitmarsh.

The robbers first struck on July 13 in Landenberg, Chester County, not far from the Delaware state line. 11 days later, they returned and robbed the same store. Three days later, they moved on to drug stores in Newark, Delaware, where they've stayed ever since, robbing three stores-- two of them twice. Police say pharmacies, unlike banks, are easier targets.

"You go to a pharmacy though, you've got all day to browse around and wait just for the right moment to go up and then complete the robbery,” says Cpl. Whitmarsh. "You can wait til no one's there. You can wait until the clerk is by his or herself behind the counter."

Most of the robberies have occurred first thing in the morning. It is still unanswered what they're doing with the prescription drugs they steal.

"We don't know yet if this is for personal use or if these are to ultimately sell back out on the street," says Whitmarsh.

Based on their pattern, the robbers have gone no longer than 11 days before hitting another drug store. It has been 11 days since their last robbery so they may be poised to strike again.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit at 302-834-2630 ext. 6.