The Gloucester Police Department continued its fight against opiate addiction on Wednesday with yet another unusual tactic.

In a post on the department’s Facebook page, Gloucester police posted the names, salaries, and contact information for five of the highest paid CEOs of pharmaceutical companies and urged readers to make some calls:

“Now…don’t get mad. Just politely ask them what they are doing to address the opioid epidemic in the United States and if they realize that the latest data shows almost 80% of addicted persons start with a legally prescribed drug that they make. They can definitely be part of the solution here and I believe they will be….might need a little push.’’

Gotta go make some calls.....Top 5 Pharmaceutical CEO Salaries:5. Eli Lilly - John Lechleiter $14.48... Posted by Gloucester Police Department (Official) on Wednesday, September 16, 2015

The post had over 550 shares by Thursday evening. Many people expressed enthusiastic support for the department in the post’s comments.

“LOVE THIS! so proud to be from gloucester right now!’’ wrote one person.

“I think you are the most caring, empathetic, and human beings for doing this for our children and loved ones that are plagued with this insidious disease!’’ wrote another.


In June, the department gained national attention when it rolled out its “Angel’’ program, which gives opiate addicts the option of walking into the police station if they want help, treating opiate addiction as a disease, rather than a crime. The addicts can hand over any drugs in their possession, and then they will get help finding a detox or residential treatmentment facility.

The department helped more than 100 people through the program as of August, according to The Boston Globe.