Drug burglar may be caught blue-handed
Dye-filled bottles replaced strong pain reliever OxyContin on shelves, say police

By ERICA KOLASKI
Tribune Staff Writer

CHEBOYGAN - If someone you know has mysteriously appeared with
bright blue or violet fingers, local law enforcement has a few questions for
them.

Another break-in at Modern Pharmacy in Cheboygan proved
unsuccessful for the perpetrator, said Officer Mark Torrence of the
Cheboygan Department of Public Safety.

Torrence said that at approximately 3:40 a.m. Saturday, a male subject
wearing a light-colored hooded parka and gloves threw a large rock
through the side window of the pharmacy.

"The suspect entered the building and took several bottles of OxyContin,"
said Torrence. The suspect then exited the building and fled the scene on
foot.

But this crime did not supply abusers with more of the potent pain killer.

"The bottles taken did not contain narcotics. They were 'dummy bottles'
that were filled with a powder similar to that used in bank dye packs,"
said Torrence. "This dye stains anything it comes into contact with a bright
blue or violet."

The department is asking citizens to contact them if they notice anyone
who appears to have come into contact with this powder.

Torrence added that because of the recent rash of breaking and entering
at local drug stores, most pharmacists are now keeping their narcotics
locked in a safe for security.

"The drugs that are left out are not ones that are normally abused," he
noted.

Contact the Department of Public Safety with any information at
627-4321. After hours, call 1-800-577-1911.