The New York Police Department wants pharmacies in and around the city to fight prescription drug thefts by stocking pill bottles fitted with GPS tracking chips.
Police pharmacies to hide fake pill bottles fitted with GPS devices amid the legitimate supplies on their shelves.
The New York Police Department believes the so-called "bait bottles" could help investigators track stolen drugs and locate suspects.
Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly is expected to unveil the plan Tuesday at a La Quinta, Calif., conference on health issues hosted by former President Bill Clinton's foundation.
In prepared remarks provided in advance of his appearance, Kelly says the initiative was prompted by a spate of high-profile crimes associated with the thriving black market for prescription drugs, including the slaying of four people on Long Island during a pharmacy holdup in 2011. He also cites the case of a retired NYPD officer who, after retiring with an injury and getting hooked on painkillers, began robbing drug stores at gunpoint.
Prescription drug abuse "can serve as a gateway to criminal activities, especially among young people," the commissioner says. "When pills become too expensive, addicts are known to resort to cheaper drugs such as heroin and cocaine. They turn to crime to support their habit."
The NYPD has begun creating a database of the roughly 6,000 pharmacies in the New York City area with plans to have officers visit them and recommend security measures like better alarm systems and lighting of storage areas. Kelly says it also will ask them to stock the GPS bottles containing fake oxycodone.
"In the event of a robbery or theft, we'll be able to track the bottle, which may lead us to stash locations across the city," he says.
There have been similar attempts to track prescription drugs on a limited basis but the NUYPD claims this would be the first widespread effort.
Sunday, May 26 2013 12:01 AM EDT2013-05-26 04:01:47 GMT
Suffolk County police arrested a man who was driving drunk with his daughter in the car after he caused a three-car crash on Long Island Friday afternoon.
Suffolk County police arrested a man who was driving drunk with his daughter in the car after he caused a three-car crash on Long Island Friday afternoon.
Sunday, May 26 2013 12:00 AM EDT2013-05-26 04:00:59 GMT
While some business may be have been dismal at the beaches, a lot of people who needed to venture out and keep busy Saturday found things to do – and stay dry.
While some business may be have been dismal at the beaches, a lot of people who needed to venture out and keep busy Saturday found things to do – and stay dry.
Saturday, May 25 2013 10:52 PM EDT2013-05-26 02:52:40 GMT
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel congratulated the cadets at West Point's commencement ceremony Saturday, but warned them they have a tough road ahead. He praised how far the military has come
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel congratulated the cadets at West Point's commencement ceremony Saturday, but warned them they have a tough road ahead. He praised how far the military has come
Saturday, May 25 2013 10:27 PM EDT2013-05-26 02:27:43 GMT
New Yorkers that have visited City Island in the summer know it gets really busy, especially on Memorial Day weekend. Saturday, it was pretty much a ghost town thanks to the cold, rainy weather.
New Yorkers that have visited City Island in the summer know it gets really busy, especially on Memorial Day weekend. Saturday, it was pretty much a ghost town thanks to the cold, rainy weather.
Saturday, May 25 2013 9:26 PM EDT2013-05-26 01:26:30 GMT
New Yorkers know that finding street parking is not easy. Drivers can circle for a minute or even an hour – and even then you still may not find that parking spot.
New Yorkers know that finding street parking is not easy. Drivers can circle for a minute or even an hour – and even then you still may not find that parking spot.
Saturday, May 25 2013 8:49 PM EDT2013-05-26 00:49:32 GMT
AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in New Jersey on Friday was $3.42, up 3 cents from last week. But that's still lower than the price from a year ago
AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in New Jersey on Friday was $3.42, up 3 cents from last week. But that's still lower than the price from a year ago
Saturday, May 25 2013 8:47 PM EDT2013-05-26 00:47:11 GMT
Internal Affairs officers on Saturday were looking into allegations made by actress Amanda Bynes that NYPD officers sexually assaulted her when she was charged with heaving a marijuana bong out the window
Internal Affairs officers on Saturday were looking into allegations made by actress Amanda Bynes that NYPD officers sexually assaulted her when she was charged with heaving a marijuana bong out the window
Saturday, May 25 2013 6:52 PM EDT2013-05-25 22:52:40 GMT
It once was an accepted tactic as old as policing itself and, according to the NYPD, a key to the city's dramatic drop in crime: patrol officers stopping young men on the street to see if they're up to no good.
It once was an accepted tactic as old as policing itself and, according to the NYPD, a key to the city's dramatic drop in crime: patrol officers stopping young men on the street to see if they're up to no good.
Saturday, May 25 2013 6:36 PM EDT2013-05-25 22:36:58 GMT
Members of the American Legion Post 1 honored their own this Memorial Day. The veterans association decorated the graves of veterans at the Cemetery of the Madonna in Leonia Saturday morning.
Members of the American Legion Post 1 honored their own this Memorial Day. The veterans association decorated the graves of veterans at the Cemetery of the Madonna in Leonia Saturday morning.
Saturday, May 25 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-05-25 22:25:11 GMT
Authorities are investigating the death of a 4-week old baby in the Bronx Saturday morning. Police say they were contacted by officials from North Central Bronx Hospital around 9:50 a.m.
Authorities are investigating the death of a 4-week old baby in the Bronx Saturday morning. Police say they were contacted by officials from North Central Bronx Hospital around 9:50 a.m.