Drug Cargo Thefts Threaten Public Health

CBS Evening News reported that cargo thefts from trucks and warehouse are on the rise. In 2009, there were 864 reported cargo thefts, more than two per day, and frequency is projected to rise for 2010.

The FDA is particularly concerned about prescription drug thefts, calling them “crime that threatens public health,” in a letter from April. $184 million of cargo in prescription drugs was stolen last year, a three and a half fold increase from 2007.

CBS Evening News detailed the ease with which tractor trailers can be stolen from truck stops, using pliers, in less than thirty seconds.