Lilly Applauds Law Enforcement Officials for their Successful Investigation and Recovery of Pharmaceuticals Stolen from Connecticut Distribution Center

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May 03, 2012, 02:18 ET

INDIANAPOLIS, May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today applauded law enforcement officials for their successful investigation and the recovery of more than $70 million in pharmaceuticals stolen from its United States distribution center located in Enfield, Connecticut, on Sunday, March 14, 2010.

"For more than two years, Lilly has cooperated with this criminal investigation – providing important information to federal and local authorities to help piece together the details of the theft," said Maria Crowe, President, Manufacturing Operations, Eli Lilly and Company.

"We applaud the dedication of the Enfield Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice prosecutors in New
Haven, Newark, and Miami, and the Miami Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, who have worked tirelessly to identify and apprehend those suspected of being involved in the March 2010 burglary," said Crowe.

The pharmaceuticals taken from Lilly's warehouse have been successfully recovered, preventing them from entering pharmaceutical distribution channels. Lilly plans to destroy the products when they are no longer needed as evidence.

Crowe added that Lilly is committed to partnering with the Food and Drug Administration, law enforcement, and other officials and organizations to help ensure patient safety and the secure distribution of Lilly medicines.

To that end, in addition to strengthening security for its facilities and pharmaceutical transportation, Lilly is one of seven pharmaceutical companies that formed the Coalition for Patient Safety and Medicine Integrity in 2011. Two primary goals of the coalition are to protect patients from risks posed by stolen and inappropriately handled medical products that enter legitimate distribution channels and increase the associated federal criminal penalties for crimes involving stolen medical products.

About Eli Lilly and Company

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers – through medicines and information ─ for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com. C-LLY

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SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company