DEA: Burglars target independent, small pharmacies for ‘greed’ [Video]

ST. LOUIS — It’s been a big problem for independent, small pharmacies.

The Drug Enforcement Administration believes thieves are targeting these non-chain businesses out of greed, calling it a crime of opportunity.

On Thursday in the Metro East, two men from Ohio were sentenced to federal prison. 

George Cunningham and Tarvin Hamler were charged for burglarizing several pharmacies of oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine pills with intent to illegally distribute the controlled substances.

According to court documents, the two targeted and entered pharmacies in multiple states, including Missouri and Illinois.

Documents described the pair breaking glass windows, prying open locked doors and stealing bulk quantities of narcotics from 2018 through 2020.

Cunningham was sentenced to 100 months and Hamler was sentenced to 96 months.

The United States Department of Justice also said two other co-defendants from Texas, McKindley Allen …