CVS pharmacy techs stole and sold prescription drugs

(WTNH) - Four former CVS Pharmacy technicians were arrested for stealing and selling prescription drugs from the workplace.

The arrests are a result of "Operation Pharm Team," an initiative that focuses on the illegal distribution of prescription drugs.

Today, Michael Hannon, Dorothy Grier, Kevin Winzer, and Ramon Grullon were all arrested on separate criminal complaints charging each with getting controlled substances by misrepresentation, fraud or deception and possessing those substances with the intent to sell them.

Hannon, 28, of North Haven, formerly a pharmacy technician at a CVS Pharmacy in North Haven, allegedly stole and sold prescription drugs including vicodin, suboxone, valium and xanax.

Grier, 24, of East Hartford, formerly a pharmacy technician at a CVS Pharmacy in East Hartford, allegedly stole and sold vicoden, suboxone, and klonopin.

Kevin Winzer, 20, of Old Saybrook, formerly a pharmacy technician at a CVS Pharmacy in Old Saybrook and Ramon Grullon, 25, of Plymouth, formerly a pharmacy technician at a CVS Pharmacy in Litchfield, both allegedly stole and sold prescription drugs including vicoden, diazepam, and alprazolam.

"The illegal distribution of prescription drugs is a significant problem, and there are signs it is growing increasingly worse," said U.S. Attorney Fein. "These drugs are particularly dangerous, because their abuse is frequently a gateway to abuse of other opiates, including heroin. This serious problem requires a cooperative approach bringing federal, state, and local law enforcement and regulators to the table. The arrests today are an example of these agencies working together, and we look forward to more such efforts in the future. Those involved in the illegal distribution of prescription drugs should know that they will be investigated and prosecuted like other drug dealers."

In recent months, more than 40 individuals have been charged with various federal offenses as part of the U.S. Attorney's Office's effort in eliminating the illegal trafficking of prescription drugs.

Each of the four individuals arrested today faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 if convicted of possession with intent to distribute Schedule III prescription drugs (Vicotin and suboxone), up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted of possession with intent to distribute Schedule IV prescription drugs (valium, xanax, klonopin, diazepam, and alprazolam), and up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted of illegally obtaining controlled substances.