Thousands worth of allergy medicine stolen from Rite Aid

DETROIT (WJBK) - A large amount of allergy medicine was stolen Saturday afternoon from a Rite Aid on Detroit's west side.

Police say three suspects walked into a Rite Aid on the 13900 block of Livernois and stole thousands of dollars' worth of cold and allergy medications right off store shelves and into their pockets.

On the way out, the suspects threatened to shoot the clerk, but did not present a weapon.

The suspects escaped through the front door on foot, according to police, as no vehicle was spotted at the scene.

"If you see items like that stolen en masse, typically those are the ingredients that are the basis for methamphetamine," said Ralph Godbee, former Detroit police chief. "It's not flu or cold season that would make the antennas of the police department go up highly, to see if there's a ring if there's a lab some place. Is it being stolen from here and sent someplace else?"

Police said a man ran inside the PharMor Pharmacy on Grand Boulevard and swiped as much codeine as he could grab about a week ago.

No word if the two thefts are related, but like the rite aid robbery, it's safe to say the suspect here wasn't looking to get rid of a cough.

"That one does fit an urban agenda, for lack of a better term. Lean, which is a mix of codeine or some type of cough syrup or Sprite; they put jolly rancher candy in it. Rappers like Future, heavily laced in his music," Godbee said.

It’s a popular drink with dangerous side effects.

Police describe the suspects as three black men between the ages of 19 and 25 years old. Two of them were wearing white T-shirts and blue jeans with a Chicago baseball cap. Another was wearing a white shirt and black jeans.

Those with information should call police immediately.