ARLINGTON, Va.— On Monday, June 1, NACDS president and CEO Steven Anderson shared with NACDS chain members the following information:

“I want you to be aware that NACDS is communicating urgently with each of the nation’s governors, with state attorneys general, with state boards of pharmacy, with U.S. Attorney General William Barr, and with the Drug Enforcement Administration, regarding the critical need to help protect pharmacies in the face of the tragic events occurring in communities throughout the nation.

Steven Anderson

“There is a lot that needs to be said and done about all aspects of this situation. However, NACDS’ communication to our leaders at this moment urges immediate action to help prevent the targeting of pharmacies for the theft of controlled substances.

“I would urge that your company also reach out to the governors in the states that you serve, reiterating this message.

“The text of NACDS’ letter to the governors follows:

“With the significant unrest and the unprecedented civil disturbances in cities and towns across the country, we urge you to immediately provide special law enforcement protection to secure community pharmacies across the state. Ongoing physical security issues demand precise maximum law enforcement protection against potential and actual high threats of break-ins and looting. Without special protections, community pharmacies will continue to be targeted and pillaged by well-planned attacks during this unprecedented time, which may lead to vast quantities of controlled substances being spilled on the streets within the state.

“Following the attacks on pharmacies, greater attention is clearly due to these vulnerable entities because of the potential severity of criminal threats and corresponding community harm. Specifically, state and local law enforcement must undertake substantial measures to increase protection of these premises to avoid fueling the black market with vast quantities of controlled substances and adding to the opioid epidemic.

“We desperately need your strong leadership and that of the state’s law enforcement agencies to ensure that the unfolding situation does not become substantially worse.”