Dunwoody PD Holds Operation Pill Drop This Saturday

The Dunwoody Police Department is hoping to get expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs off the street.

The department is teaming up with the Drug Enforcement Agency and Safe Kids Georgia to conduct Operation Pill Drop.

“Prescription drug abuse is the Nation’s fastest-growing drug problem, and take-back events like this one are an indispensable tool for reducing the threat that the diversion and abuse of these drugs pose to public health,” said Director of National Drug Control Policy Gil Kerlikowske, in a press release. “The Federal/state/and local collaboration represented in this initiative is key in our national efforts to reduce pharmaceutical drug diversion and abuse.”

On Saturday Oct. 29, Dunwoody residents can bring unwanted medication to the front lobby of the police department, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 100, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The department won't accept needles/sharps, syringes with needles, thermometers, IV bags, bloody or infectious waste, personal care products, empty containers, inhalers, medical equipment and hydrogen peroxide.

According to the department, unintentional poisoning from prescription medications is on the rise. There are more than 2 million poison exposures reported in the United States each year, and in 2009, more 51 percent of reported poisonings in Georgia involved children ages 5 and under.

“The Dunwoody Police Department is pleased to support Operation Pill Drop in our efforts to reduce the risks of children’s exposure to prescription medication and the potential abuse of the unused medications stored in homes,” said Chief of Police Billy Grogan in a press release.

In April, the department held another Operation Pill Drop. A total of 10 to 15 pounds of pills were collected.