A 46-year-old Chicago man already in trouble for stealing medications, cigarettes and a newspaper was later caught with small zip bags of heroin taped to his waistband and in between his toes, Des Plaines authorities said.

Police allege Winfred Barnett, of the 2600 block of North Wolcott, walked into Jewel-Osco on the 800 block of South Elmhurst Road and started placing counter medications and cigarette packages in a large gift bag around 6:47 a.m. Feb. 5.

Barnett allegedly was seen going behind the counter to remove the cigarette boxes from the shelves and then swung the gift bag around the anti-theft sensors before placing the bag next to an outside garbage can, reports state. As police placed handcuffs on Barnett, he swallowed something, but told officers it was “only candy” and would not harm him, police said.

When police took Barnett to the station, they allegedly found a small zip bag with a white powdery substance taped to his waistband and another bag in between his toes, according to reports. Police tested the substance, which turned out to be 1.3 grams of heroin. Barnett allegedly told police he takes 15 hits of heroin a day and steals to support his habit.

Barnett was charged with felony retail theft and heroin possession under 15 grams. Along with stealing 52 packages of cigarettes, Barnett took Prevacid, Claritin, Zantac, Prilosec and a USA Today newspaper, reports state. The items were valued at $1,501.