Tri-State stores lock up Tide detergent

It's hard to believe that it has come to this, but it has.

Cincinnati-area stores are starting to lock up Tide detergent jugs, after a rash of thefts of the popular detergent nationwide.

The Walgreens in Newport, KY confirms to WCPO.com that it is now putting alarms on its Tide detergent, after too many bottles walked out the door in recent months.  Some other stores say they are considering doing this as well.

"Liquid Gold"

Police are now calling Liquid Tide "liquid gold," after thieves have made the popular red jugs a new form of currency in the drug world.

Criminals exchange liquid Tide for crack cocaine or marijuana, according to police, with a 150 ounce jug bringing in $10 worth of illegal drugs. 

Some stores in major cities have been losing as much as $10,000 of liquid Tide each month to thieves.

Why Tide?

Tide is a premium detergent, and commands the highest prices, so it's a great replacement for cash.

This way, no cash changes hands, so there is no "drug money."  Also, Tide bottles have no serial number, like cash, so it cannot be tracked back to a particular store or bank.

So be prepared to wait a bit longer if you want Liquid Tide at some stores, so you don't waste your money.

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