National Drug Take Back Day will be held this Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at all five precincts of SPD. The SPD and the DEA are providing a free and anonymous service for locals to dispose of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.
Last September, 244 tons of prescription drugs were turned in nationally at over 5,200 sites operated by the DEA, state and local law enforcement officers. Over the five year history of the event over 2 million pounds of pills have been turned in by people all over America.
“This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse,” wrote SPD Detective Mark Jamieson on the SPD Blotter. According to the SPD, rates of prescription drug abuse, accidental poisonings and overdoses are alarmingly high in the US. “Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the family medicine cabinet,” wrote Jamieson.
According to the SPD, other methods of disposal, such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, can cause both potential safety and health hazards.
Ballardites can bring unwanted medications for disposal to the nearest location at SPD North Precinct (10049 College Way N).
