Police search for suspect who stole painkillers

Newport Beach police are searching for an armed robber who stole more than 200 synthetic painkiller tablets Monday night from a pharmacy in Newport Beach’s Eastbluff neighborhood.

The robber held up the CVS pharmacy in the 2500 block of Eastbluff Drive at about 6 p.m. He wore a red ski mask and a blue sweatshirt, with the hood pulled over his head, Sgt. Evan Sailor said.

The man jumped over the store’s counter, pulled out a handgun and told the clerk to open the medicine cabinet, police said. He then grabbed a large amount of Fentanyl, a synthetic drug which is several times stronger than heroin or Oxycontin, Sailor said.

The man is described as 5-foot-10 and about 170 pounds. He was wearing black cargo pants and black and white Adidas shoes, police said.

Investigators have asked that anyone with information call (800) 550-NBPD.

— Kelly Strodl