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http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2002/05/09/hospital_drugstheft
Con artist steals drugs from hospitals
Last Updated Thu, 09 May 2002 15:00:05
CALGARY - Hospitals across the country are on alert after a con artist in Alberta stole large quantities of a growth hormone.
Police said a man walked into the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary in late April and claimed he was a pharmaceutical sales representative.
He told a clerk there was a recall of the drug humatrope. He said he needed to take back growth hormone vials and promised to deliver a new shipment later.
"They turned over approximately 16 vials of the drug, valued at about $200 per vial," said Staff Sgt. Gord Sands. "And that's the pharmaceutical cost … the street value of it is approximately $30,000 to $36,000."
The man used the same tactic at a hospital in Edmonton, where he obtained about 100 vials.
Health officials say they've put measures in place to prevent similar frauds. They've also called all major pediatric centres that handle humatrope and other drugs like it to warn them about the con.
Humatrope is used to treat children who haven't reached their normal height. It causes bones to grow and increases muscle mass.
Some athletes use humatrope illegally to help them grow muscles faster. If used in excess, it can cause problems with diabetes, hypertension, as well as heart damage.
Con artist steals drugs from hospitals
Last Updated Thu, 09 May 2002 15:00:05
CALGARY - Hospitals across the country are on alert after a con artist in Alberta stole large quantities of a growth hormone.
Police said a man walked into the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary in late April and claimed he was a pharmaceutical sales representative.
He told a clerk there was a recall of the drug humatrope. He said he needed to take back growth hormone vials and promised to deliver a new shipment later.
"They turned over approximately 16 vials of the drug, valued at about $200 per vial," said Staff Sgt. Gord Sands. "And that's the pharmaceutical cost … the street value of it is approximately $30,000 to $36,000."
The man used the same tactic at a hospital in Edmonton, where he obtained about 100 vials.
Health officials say they've put measures in place to prevent similar frauds. They've also called all major pediatric centres that handle humatrope and other drugs like it to warn them about the con.
Humatrope is used to treat children who haven't reached their normal height. It causes bones to grow and increases muscle mass.
Some athletes use humatrope illegally to help them grow muscles faster. If used in excess, it can cause problems with diabetes, hypertension, as well as heart damage.
