In August 2025, Overhaul’s LE Connect team helped recover stolen over-the-counter (OTC) medication. The incident took place in Chicago, IL. Overhaul was not actively monitoring the stolen load, which was illegally re-brokered several times. A skilled theft group redirected the cargo during this process.
Details of the theft
When the pharmaceutical shipment left its origin, the broker gave the carrier two stops. However, unbeknownst to the shipper, the cargo had been subjected to double brokering.
The first stop was the legitimate intended stop in Pennsylvania. However the second stop in New Jersey was not a legitimate delivery location.
Midway through the trip, the drivers were told that the first (legitimate) stop was cancelled. They were then instructed to deliver the full load to a location in New Jersey.
The shipment was delivered and stayed in one place for 10 hours. Then, another carrier took over. This carrier drove the trailer to Akron, OH, and eight hours later, yet another carrier took over. This final carrier brought the load to Chicago, where it was recovered.
LE Connect steps in
The LE Connect team diligently investigated the location of the shipment over the course of three days. Overhaul’s IoT experts and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office Organized Retail Crime Unit aided in these efforts. Additional hardware resources were deployed to LE boots on the ground to assist with device location. These resources proved crucial in the final effort to locate the stolen pharmaceuticals.
At this point in the investigation, all carriers have been cooperating with investigative efforts. There is no reason to believe said carriers were involved in fraud. Rather, it is believed that a fraudulent broker put the load on a load board to have it redirected to new locations. However, the final carrier was found to have additional product in the trailer that was not covered by any bill of lading.
Allies in cargo theft prevention
Overhaul would like to recognize and thank Cook County SO – Organized Retail Crime Unit for their hard work, cooperation, and dedication in pursuit of this stolen cargo. Three days of investigation shows an extreme level of dedication to the fight against cargo and organized retail crime.
In this instance, thieves used advanced strategic theft M.O.s to target pharmaceutical supply chains in Tennessee. Thieves typically use these M.O.s in California when targeting electronics and other consumer products.
No arrests were made in this recovery. Unfortunately, this means that the crew targeting pharmaceutical companies is still at large and at full capacity.
How to avoid pharmaceutical cargo theft
Pharmaceutical cargo thefts occur rarely, and fraudulent incidents are even less common. However, this incident demonstrates that the pharmaceutical industry remains a tempting target for thieves.
Overhaul recommends that shippers of pharmaceutical products be extremely thorough in vetting brokers and carriers. They should document all drivers, tractors, and trailers that arrive to pick up cargo. This means obtaining thorough pictures that include all identifying markings on the tractor/trailer, as well as the driver and his CDL. Shippers must then verify that the information being documented matches the information provided prior to the driver’s arrival.
To catch and recover stolen cargo, it is important to use smart theft prevention methods. This includes understanding the situation, monitoring compliance from afar, and having real-time visibility. An immediate escalation process is also key, as it helps ensure effective engagement with law enforcement.
To learn more about evolving cargo crime, read our latest cargo theft reports.
