Trailer Full Of Cancer-Fighting Drugs Stolen

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Five minutes was all the time some thieves needed to take off with a tractor-trailer from a busy truck stop in south Nashville.

Video: Trailer Load Of Cancer Drugs Stolen

Police said the trailer, which was loaded with powerful prescription drugs, could be worth millions of dollars.

"It’s our understanding that they were extremely valuable, cancer-fighting drugs being transported from Kentucky to a plant in LaVergne," said Metro police spokeswoman Kristin Mumford.

Police said the theft occurred during one of the busiest times of day at a Truck Stops of America on Old Hickory Boulevard Wednesday night.

The thief broke out a passenger window of the trailer’s truck, hotwired the truck and drove away. The truck’s driver said he had gone inside to grab a snack and that when he came out, his truck was gone.

On Friday, the stolen tractor was found off Harding Pike, but the trailer and the drugs were gone.

"They apparently are raw pharmaceutical drugs, meaning they had not yet been made into the actual medication," Mumford said.

Authorities said they don't think the heist is an inside job. They said the crook may have seen the trucker loading the drugs in Kentucky and followed him to Nashville.

Truckers said that as the thefts become more common, they’ll be on the lookout.

"Be aware of your surroundings. You know, turn around and look to see who’s looking at you," said Theron Suddeth.

Police and truckers said thieves are skipping banks and stealing trailers in the hopes of cashing in.

There was no surveillance tape or witnesses of the incident, police said.

Officials said the theft could end up being costly to the manufacturers and patients as the cost of the theft makes its way down the line.

Police said the stolen trailer is white with the words "New Prime Inc." on the side.