Overdose linked to drugs stolen from Starbuck pharmacy

STARBUCK - Police in west-central Minnesota are warning about potent prescription medications stolen during a pharmacy burglary last week.
One overdose treated in Stevens County is reportedly connected to the stolen drugs, law enforcement officials said Tuesday.
The Starbuck Police Department investigated a burglary at Samuelson’s Drug on Sept. 16. Among the items stolen were approximately 1,800 prescription pills, several pain patches and some oral solutions.
The Morris Police Department responded to a possible overdose of fentanyl transdermal patches Thursday, when a man was taken to the Stevens County Medical Center. Morris and Starbuck police, along with Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigators, identified the patches as stolen from Samuelson’s Drug.
A man was arrested in Stevens County on Monday for selling prescription pills. These pills are believed to be among those stolen from Samuelson’s Drug. Stevens County Attorney Aaron Jordan said he expects to file charges in that case this week.
Police ask anyone that comes into contact with someone selling prescription pills, pain patches or oral solutions to contact the local law enforcement agencies immediately.
Authorities are concerned because these prescription medications are very potent and are only prescribed to patients that are experiencing severe pain. These medications, if used for other than medical reasons, may cause severe injury or even death, authorities said.
In Grand Rapids, a man has been charged with third degree murder for allegedly giving his wife a lethal dose of Fentanyl on Friday after buying a patch for $150. Terry Wayne Richards, 49, is being held without bail in the case.
Health officials have said Fentanyl is 80 to 100 times more potent than morphine and many times more potent than heroin.