On Jan. 15, three people allegedly attacked a delivery driver outside Smart Choice Pharmacy in Bensalem, Pa., and stole two boxes of GLP-1 drugs — Mounjaro, Ozempic and Trulicity — valued at about $16,000. The suspects, who police say came from New York City, were stopped about two miles away and identified by the driver. Authorities recovered the medications and charged the trio with robbery, theft and assault. Pharmacy staff reported suspicious calls before the delivery, and Smart Choice has updated its delivery procedures.
Planned Heist Foiled: Three Arrested After $16,000 Worth Of GLP-1 Drugs Taken From Delivery Driver — Medications Recovered
Peter Dazeley/GettyWoman holding a box of Ozempic (stock image)
Three people have been arrested after police say they assaulted a delivery driver and stole two boxes of GLP-1 weight-loss medications outside Smart Choice Pharmacy in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, on Jan. 15. The shipment included Mounjaro, Ozempic and Trulicity, with an estimated retail value of about $16,000. Authorities later recovered and returned the medications to the pharmacy.
What Happened
According to Bensalem Township police, the delivery driver was attacked while unloading medication at the pharmacy. Investigators say the suspects grabbed two boxes containing GLP-1 drugs, threw the driver to the ground, then fled in a gold Toyota — nearly striking a bystander who was attempting to record the incident.
Bensalem Police DepartmentJoshua Dupree; Jahnoi Dawkins.
Arrests And Evidence Of Planning
Officers issued an alert for the vehicle and stopped it roughly two miles from the scene. The delivery driver identified the occupants: 41-year-old Joshua Dupree of Tamaqua, Pa.; 21-year-old Jahnoi Dawkins of Albany, N.Y.; and a 17-year-old male from New York City. Police say the trio had traveled from New York City, about 80 miles away.
Investigators also report that Smart Choice Pharmacy staff received suspicious phone calls and emails in the days before the delivery requesting information about the order, suggesting the theft may have been planned.
Matthew Horwood/GettyMounjaro KwikPen injection pen (stock image)
Official Statements
Bill McVey, Bensalem Public Safety Director: "Thank God the person is okay." McVey urged pharmacies to notify police if they receive calls about delivery schedules and to ensure parking lots are clear before accepting high-value shipments.
Jigar Patel, pharmacist at Smart Choice: "Thank God no gunshots or anything like that were involved... These are $1,000 drugs. For anyone that's not easily able to pay for it, this becomes an alternate route."
Charges, Recovery And Response
The three suspects face charges including robbery, theft, receiving stolen property and simple assault. Officials said the stolen GLP-1 medications were recovered and returned to the pharmacy. Smart Choice has revised its delivery procedures in response to the incident, and local public safety officials encouraged pharmacies to be cautious about sharing delivery information and to contact law enforcement if they receive suspicious inquiries.
Note: GLP-1 medications are in high demand and can cost more than $1,000 per month without insurance, making them a target for thefts nationwide.
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