HICKORY, N.C. — Veterans suffering illnesses and pain reported never receiving their medication. Police believe a UPS employee, trusted to deliver the medications, stole them.
Police said the thefts happened at a UPS distribution center in Hickory.
Several veterans in the Hickory area said they are outraged.
Police said the worker looked for packages from the Veterans Administration and shook them to see if it sounded like pills were inside. Police said someone stole $36,000 of pain medication during the last six months.
"It's a little bit shocking to hear somebody would do that," said veteran Eddie Gee.
"I think it is crazy. You put trust in these people to deliver your packages," said veteran Mike Holley
John Laughter did two tours in Vietnam.
He now has difficulty getting around and needs the medication for a degenerative back problem.
He said he hasn't gotten his pills three times from the VA during the last six months.
"And I'd call and they would say it was shipped on this date," he said.
UPS said by phone Wednesday afternoon, "We became aware of an issue of theft and immediately notified the proper authorities. We are participating fully in the investigation."
The company would not comment on whether the employee has been fired.
The Veterans Administration said when they discovered medicine was missing, they reported it to the criminal office of the Inspector General and UPS.
Laughter said he understands how it could happen.
"It will come in a white sort of plastic bag and all you have to do is sit there and shake it and it says VA," he said.
WSOC
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