Jan. 18--SULPHUR -- Thousands of pain pills are missing from a Sulphur nursing home and police have launched an investigation.
Sulphur Police Chief David Shores said between 2,000 and 3,000 Lortab pills were discovered missing from Calloway Nursing Home during a state audit.
Lortab is a narcotic pain reliever made up of a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. The drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness when taken.
Shores said several employees are suspected of stealing and distributing the drug, but no employees have been arrested.
"We did arrest a guy who was buying these Lortabs from one of the ladies down there," Shores said, "but as far as the employees, there's been no charges filed yet because it looks like there's going to be several folks involved down there. It may be four or five people involved ... so it's going to take some time."
The man arrested in connection with the investigation is 45-year-old Allen Eugene Collins of Sulphur. Collins was arrested during a sting set up by law enforcement, according to a court affidavit. He was charged Jan. 13 in Murray County District Court with felony attempting to possess Lortab with the intent to distribute.
Shores said he contacted a state agency to assist with the investigation.
"I called OBN (Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics) today to see if they can help us with some of the records," he said Tuesday. "It's going to take quite a while. It's probably going to be a two-week deal before we get charges filed over at the district attorney's office."
Shores said nursing home management is cooperating with the investigation.
Shores said arrests and charges are expected at the conclusion of the investigation.Shores said arrests and charges are expected at the conclusion of the investigation.
Copyright 2012 - Ada Evening News, Okla.
