THOMASVILLE — Prescription drugs with a value of more than $20,000 are missing from a pharmacy burglarized during the weekend, according to authorities.

An audit of inventory at Thomas Drug Store, 816 Gordon Ave., continues, said Lt. Toby Knifer, Thomasville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division commander.

The store closed at 6 p.m. Friday. The burglary was discovered when the business reopened at 9 a.m. Monday.

Knifer said the burglary is believed to have taken place between 5 p.m. Saturday and 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

“We’re working on a 24-hour time frame,” Knifer said.

A store employee received a cell phone message late Sunday afternoon from the company that monitors the store’s burglar alarm system. The message left on the employee’s voice mail was in reference to a “communication problem” at the business, a police incident report states.

“It wasn’t an alarm going off,” Knifer said, adding that law enforcement was never notified. “The point of entry appears to be through an exterior door.” 

Vance Wall, store owner, said Monday it appeared burglars took drugs from the prescription safe.

Knifer said the drugs stolen probably will be sold illegally on the street.

“Right now, we don’t have any suspects,” the commander said.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820