Suspects Stole $23,400 in Drugs From Queens Pharmacy
Two individuals allegedly threatened an employee during a robbery at a CVS in Hillside Plaza.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Property Crime
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Two suspects stole two dozen boxes of GLP-1 weight loss medication valued at approximately $23,400 from a CVS pharmacy in the Hillside Plaza shopping center. The individuals fled the scene on foot via Metropolitan Avenue after one suspect appeared to threaten a 52-year-old employee with a handgun.
Why it matters
The robbery marks another incident in a precinct currently seeing a surge in theft-related crimes. Law enforcement is now seeking public assistance to identify the perpetrators involved in the high-value medicine theft.
The NYPD is offering a reward of up to $3,500 for information leading to an arrest. Officials are currently processing the scene and reviewing evidence following the incident at 85-29 126th St.
The players
NYPD
The New York City Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency investigating this robbery.
CVS
The pharmacy chain operates the retail location in the Hillside Plaza shopping center where the theft occurred.
The details
The suspects entered a restricted area of the store to remove the drug inventory before confronting a staff member. During the encounter, one individual motioned as if they were carrying a handgun to intimidate the employee.
Timeline
The robbery occurred on September 18, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
The 102nd Precinct reporting period ended on September 13, 2026.
Legal Context
This incident follows a pattern set by the 102nd Precinct's 11.9% robbery increase reported through September 2026. Such retail thefts reflect ongoing challenges for local businesses facing rising crime rates across the precinct.
The robbery highlights a heightened security risk for pharmacy staff and shoppers within the Hillside Plaza area. Local residents are encouraged to contact authorities if they possess information regarding the suspects.
The takeaway
Retailers continue to face significant financial losses due to the targeted theft of high-demand pharmaceutical inventory. Employees should prioritize personal safety during any security confrontation by avoiding escalation with potential suspects.
Further reading
For more on safety and criminal trends in the area, visit the Property Crime section.
More information
Submit tips through the NYPD Crime Stoppers tip portal to aid the investigation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by QNS.
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