Five members of an alleged burglary ring have been charged with federal offenses related to break-ins at rural pharmacies in Iowa and Nebraska between 2022 and 2023. These individuals are said to be part of a larger conspiracy involving 42 suspects from Houston, Texas, who are accused of breaking into over 200 pharmacies across 31 states, stealing approximately $12 million worth of controlled substances. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported that the stolen drugs, including opioids and stimulants, were transported to Houston for illegal sale. In 2023, there were around 900 pharmacy burglaries across the country, resulting in a significant loss of controlled substances.
