200-Plus Pounds Of Drugs Turned In At County Police Sites

MILLERSVILLD, MD — More than 200 pounds of prescription medicines was turned in to Anne Arundel County authorities on Saturday, Oct. 28, at the department's police stations. Annapolis Police held a similar event the same day, all part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which is focused on removing potentially dangerous controlled substances from medicine cabinets.

This 14th national "take-back day" collected expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications by law enforcement officers for destruction, according to a news release. County police said Monday that 231 pounds of medication were surrendered this weekend and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for disposal.

Each collection site was staffed with a representative from the Police Department as well as a DEA investigator to answer any questions or concerns about medications getting into to the wrong hands and the abuse of prescribed medication. Residents were told of the harm caused by flushing the unused medication down the toilet and how it affects the water, septic systems, the environment and overall public safety.

The police department also has permanently installed drop boxes in each district station and police headquarters so residents can dispose of unused or unwanted medications year round. The same rules established for drug take-back day apply to the drop boxes.

Where To Find Drop Boxes

• Police Headquarters, 8495 Veterans Highway Millersville
• Northern District, 939 Hammonds Lane, Baltimore
• Eastern District, 204 Pasadena Road, Pasadena
• Western District, 8273 Telegraph Road, Odenton
• Southern District, 35 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater
• Annapolis: The Annapolis Police Department also has a medication disposal drop box at its station, 199 Taylor Ave., which is open from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, excluding holidays.

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