GLASGOW, Ky. — A recent organized retail theft case is challenging long-held perceptions about crime in the community, according to Glasgow Police Chief Guy Howie.

“Glasgow is considered a nice bedroom, small community that has very little to no organized crime problem,” said Chief Guy Howie. “I'm here to tell you that's not the case.”

Howie pointed to a Dec. 29, 2025 theft at the local Walgreens as a turning point, describing it as a “significant organized theft” that ultimately tied Glasgow to a multi-state operation.

The investigation brought in Greg Lazadie, a major crimes investigator with Walgreens Inc., who traveled from Detroit to explain the investigation to the Glasgow City Council Monday evening.

The case became part of a broader effort known as “Operation Toledo to Texas,” which Lazadie said involved “highly organized” crews of boosters out of Toledo, Ohio targeting stores across the region.

In total, more than 30 Walgreens locations in eight states were impacted.

“The financial impact to our operations was significant, but through our combined efforts, we were able to follow the trail all the way to Texas,” Lazadie said.

Boosters are individuals who enter stores and steal merchandise, often focusing on high-value, easy-to-resell items, before passing those goods along to others in the operation.

Within a two- to three-week span, all six suspected boosters were identified, intercepted and arrested across four states: Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

The investigation also led to the identification and arrest of two major fence operators in Texas, along with the recovery of $120,000 in stolen merchandise and $15,000 in cash, Lazadie said.

Officials credited the success of the case to close coordination between corporate investigators and the Glasgow Police Department.

“It required a deep level of collaboration between our corporate team and local law enforcement,” Lazadie said. “It was through this specific effort that we saw firsthand the caliber of work coming from this department.”

As part of that recognition, Lazadie highlighted the work of Glasgow Police Department personnel, specifically noting investigator Allen Ward as an “exceptional partner.”

A letter of commendation was provided to Chief Howie for inclusion in Ward’s personnel file. He was also presented with an award at Monday's city council meeting.

“In our line of work, we know that success isn't just about the tools we use but the people we trust,” Lazadie said.